And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

ACTS 27:7KJV
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Acts 27:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:7 mean?

Acts 27:7 describes how Paul and his companions made very slow progress as they sailed for many days, barely reaching a place near Cnidus because the wind was against them, so they changed course and sailed along the coast of Crete, passing near Salmone. The verse highlights the difficulties and delays faced during this part of their sea journey.

Luke, the author of Acts, is narrating the events of Paul’s voyage to Rome as a prisoner, with Roman officials and other travelers on board. The verse sets the scene for the challenges the ship encounters, showing that natural obstacles like unfavorable winds forced them to alter their planned route and hug the southern coast of Crete for safety.

The Greek behind Acts 27:7

  • ἠνεμοπορήσαμεν (sailed slowly; transliterated as "ēnemoporēsamen") combines the ideas of moving slowly and being hindered by the wind, emphasizing just how difficult and sluggish their progress was.
  • μόλις (scarce; transliterated as "molis") means "with difficulty" or "barely," stressing that reaching the area near Cnidus was not easy and almost didn’t happen.
  • ἐπέτρεπεν (suffering; transliterated as "epetrepen") is often translated as "allowing" or "permitting," so the phrase "the wind not suffering us" means the wind did not permit them to continue as planned, forcing a change in course.

Why Acts 27:7 matters

  • Acts 27:7 helps readers understand the real-life hardships and unpredictability of ancient sea travel, especially when weather conditions turned against sailors.
  • The verse sets up the growing tension and danger of Paul’s journey to Rome, which becomes even more dramatic in the following verses.
  • By noting the specific places and navigation choices, Luke shows careful attention to detail, grounding the story in actual geography and history.

Where else these words appear

“under” Greek G5284 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 27:4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

“Crete” Greek G2914 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
  • Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
  • Acts 27:21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

“scarce” Greek G3433 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 14:18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
  • Acts 27:8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
  • Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

“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.