But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

ACTS 27:14KJV
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Acts 27:14 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:14 mean?

Acts 27:14 describes how, not long after Paul and his companions set sail, a violent windstorm called Euroclydon struck their ship. This sudden storm came against the ship with great force, creating a dangerous situation for everyone on board.

In this part of Acts, Luke is narrating the journey of Paul as a prisoner being taken to Rome. The verse sets the scene for a dramatic and perilous event at sea, highlighting the unpredictable and threatening nature of ancient Mediterranean travel. The mention of "Euroclydon" points to a specific, well-known windstorm feared by sailors in that region.

The Greek behind Acts 27:14

  • ἐπιδυναστής (tempestuous, transliterated as "tuphōnikos"): This word is often understood as "violent" or "typhoon-like," emphasizing the extreme and dangerous nature of the wind.
  • Εὐροκλύδων (Euroclydon, transliterated as "Eurokludōn"): This is the name given to the storm, likely referring to a northeasterly wind known for causing sudden and severe storms in the Mediterranean. The use of a specific name shows how notorious and feared this wind was among sailors.

Why Acts 27:14 matters

  • Acts 27:14 helps readers understand the real dangers faced by Paul and his companions, setting up the seriousness of the events that follow in the chapter.
  • The verse highlights the unpredictability of sea travel in the ancient world, giving context to the hardships and risks involved in Paul's journey to Rome.
  • By naming the storm "Euroclydon," the narrative adds historical and geographical detail, grounding the story in the lived experiences of Mediterranean sailors.

Where else these words appear

“wind” Greek G417 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
  • Luke 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

“arose” Greek G906 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
  • Romans 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.