Acts 27:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Leaving Sidon, they sail in the shelter of Cyprus because the winds are against them.
What Does Acts 27:4 Mean?
Setting out again, the ship sails 'under' Cyprus — that is, on the sheltered, leeward side of the island — because contrary winds make the open route impossible. These were the prevailing westerlies of late summer, already hinting at the difficulty to come.
The voyage to God's appointed end is not a smooth glide; the winds are contrary from the start. Yet the ship still moves toward Rome, finding what shelter it can. The believer learns to read such headwinds not as signs of abandonment but as the ordinary weather of a fallen world, through which the Lord still brings His purposes to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 27:4
What does Acts 27:4 mean?
Leaving Sidon, they sail in the shelter of Cyprus because the winds are against them.