· Translation: KJV

Acts 27:4Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

The setting

Eastern Mediterranean, autumn ~60 AD. The ship struggles against fierce northwestern winds. Instead of the direct route, they must hug the coast of Cyprus for protection from the battering headwinds.

The emotion here: trusting God's sovereignty despite mounting difficulties

The original word

enantion (ἐναντίον) — directly opposing, set against, hostile resistance

Why it matters

Sailing against Mediterranean winds in autumn was so dangerous most ships stayed in port until spring

Read with care

What most readers miss in Acts 27:4

This 'contrary wind' will ultimately save Paul's life by forcing a route change

Common misconceptionPeople see this as bad luck or poor planning, but Luke is setting up how God uses 'contrary' circumstances to accomplish His ultimate purposes.

Bible Genome reading

Acts 27:4 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerLuke
Eraearly_church
Primary emotionanxious
Literary typenarrative

Emotional genome

Comfort power20%
Quotability20%
Memorability30%
Crisis relevance60%
Standalone40%
Themes:oppositionperseverance

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Acts 27

Acts 27:4 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 anxious, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include opposition, perseverance. Notable phrases: winds were contrary.

Your reflection

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