Acts 27:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:16 mean?

Acts 27:16 describes how Paul and his companions, while sailing, passed close to a small island called Clauda and had a difficult time securing the ship’s lifeboat. The verse highlights the struggle and urgency the crew faced as they tried to manage the boat during a dangerous storm.

In this part of Acts, Luke is narrating the journey to Rome with Paul as a prisoner. The ship is caught in a violent storm, and the crew must act quickly to prevent further disaster. The mention of Clauda, a real island south of Crete, grounds the story in a specific location and shows the practical challenges faced during ancient sea travel.

The Greek behind Acts 27:16

• The word for "under" is ὑποδραμόντες (hypodramontes, from G5295), which often means running close under the shelter of something. Here, it suggests the ship tried to use the island of Clauda as a shield from the storm.
• The Greek for "had much work" is μόλις ἰσχύσαμεν (molis ischysamen, from G3433 and G2480), meaning they barely managed or had great difficulty. This emphasizes how hard it was for the crew to secure the boat.
• The word for "boat" is σκάφης (skaphēs, from G4627), which refers to a small boat or lifeboat towed behind the main ship. The crew’s effort to "come by the boat" means they struggled to bring this lifeboat safely on board.

Why Acts 27:16 matters

• Acts 27:16 clears up that ancient sea travel was extremely dangerous and required quick, skilled action, especially in storms.
• The verse emphasizes the real, physical challenges faced by Paul and his companions, making the narrative vivid and relatable.
• By naming Clauda and describing the struggle, Acts 27:16 connects the story to actual geography and shows Luke’s attention to detail as an eyewitness or careful historian.