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Acts 27:4

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 27:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Acts 27:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 27

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.
2And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail unto the places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
3And the next day we touched at Sidon: and Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself.
4And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
5And when we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, [a city] of Lycia.
6And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy; and he put us therein.
7And when we had sailed slowly many days, and were come with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not further suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone;
← Acts 27:3Acts 27:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when we had launched from thence, etc.] From Sidon: we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary; that is, they sailed below the island of Cyprus; of which (see <440436>Acts 4:36, 13:4) whereas if the wind had been right for them, they would have sailed above the island; leaving it on the right hand, in a straight course to Myra; but now they were obliged to go below it, leaving it on the left hand, going in part about it, through the seas of Cilicia and Pamphylia to Lycia, as follows.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“when we had launched--"set sail." from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary--The wind blowing from the westward, probably with a touch of the north, which was adverse, they sailed under the lee of Cyprus, keeping it on their left, and steering between it and the mainland of PhÅ“nicia.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“We sailed under Cyprus - For an account of Cyprus, see the notes on Acts 4:36. By sailing “under Cyprus” is meant that they sailed along its coasts; they kept near to it; they thus endeavored to break off the violent winds. Instead of steering a direct course in the open sea, which would have exposed them to violent opposing winds, they kept near this large island, so that it was between them and the westerly winds. The force of the wind was thus broken, and the voyage was rendered less difficult and dangerous. They went between Cyprus and Asia Minor, leaving Cyprus to the left. A sailor would express the idea by saying that they sailed under the lee of Cyprus. Had it not been for the strong…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“We sailed under Cyprus - Leaving it on the left hand. Acts 27:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“27:4-6 Luke describes in detail the sea voyage north and then west along the southern coast of Asia Minor. • Myra was a regular stop for Egyptian grain ships bound for Italy.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Cyprus: Act 4:36, Act 11:19, Act 11:20, Act 13:4, Act 15:39, Act 21:3, Act 21:16 the winds: Mat 14:24; Mar 6:48 Acts 27:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification