Acts 21:3When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
The setting
Eastern Mediterranean, ~57 AD. Paul sees Cyprus island where he first preached 14 years earlier, now sailing past toward Syria and his arrest...
The emotion here: nostalgic but resolute, sailing past the past toward an uncertain future
The original word
kataleípō (καταλείπω) — to leave behind, abandon, pass by without stopping
Why it matters
Tyre was the ancient Phoenician capital, famous for producing purple dye from murex shells
Read with care
What most readers miss in Acts 21:3
Cyprus held deep memories for Paul - his first missionary success and his painful split with Barnabas
Common misconceptionPeople read this as a boring shipping report, but Paul is sailing past Cyprus where his ministry began, symbolically leaving his past behind as he heads toward imprisonment and death.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Acts 21:3
Bible Genome reading
Acts 21:3 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Acts 21:3 comes from the book of Acts, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Luke. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include navigation, journey. Notable phrases: came in sight of Cyprus; sailed to Syria.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Acts 21:3 mean to you, today?
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