Acts 27:14

KJV

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} not {G3756} long {G4183} after {G3326} there arose {G906} against {G2596} it {G846} a tempestuous {G5189} wind {G417}, called {G2564} Euroclydon {G2148}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But before long there struck us from land a full gale from the northeast, the kind they call an Evrakilon.

Berean Standard Bible

But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island.

American Standard Version

But after no long time there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, which is called Euraquilo:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:14 marks the abrupt and violent onset of a catastrophic storm, the Euroclydon, which struck Paul's ship shortly after it departed from Fair Havens, Crete. This verse initiates the most perilous phase of Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner, highlighting the immediate and severe consequences of disregarding wise counsel and setting the stage for a dramatic narrative of divine providence amidst human desperation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:14 immediately follows a critical decision point in Paul's journey to Rome. Having sailed from Myra and struggled against contrary winds, the ship reached Fair Havens on Crete ([Acts 27:8](/acts/27-8 "Acts 27:8 - Arrival at Fair Havens")). Paul, guided by spiritual discernment and practical experience, strongly advised against continuing the voyage, warning that it would result in "hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives" ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul's Warning")). However, the centurion Julius, swayed by the ship's owner and master who desired to reach a more suitable winter harbor at Phoenix, dismissed Paul's counsel ([Acts 27:11-12](/acts/27-11-12 "Acts 27:11-12 - The Centurion's Decision")). A deceptive "south wind blew softly" ([Acts 27:13](/acts/27-13 "Acts 27:13 - Deceptive South Wind")), encouraging their departure, only for the tempestuous Euroclydon to arise "not long after," proving Paul's warning tragically accurate and plunging the voyagers into immediate peril.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Mediterranean sea travel was inherently dangerous, especially outside the safe summer months (May to mid-September). The period after the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), typically in late September or early October, marked the beginning of hazardous sailing conditions, with winter (mid-November to mid-March) being virtually impassable. Acts 27:9 explicitly states, "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past." Ships were relatively small, often without decks, relying heavily on sails and favorable winds. Navigation was rudimentary, primarily by coastline or celestial bodies, making open-sea storms particularly terrifying and disorienting. The Euroclydon, a specific and notorious northeasterly or east-northeasterly wind common in the central Mediterranean, was known for its sudden onset, fierce intensity, and ability to generate immense, destructive waves, making it one of the most feared winds for ancient mariners.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts 27 and the broader book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **disregarding wisdom leading to peril**. The centurion's decision to ignore Paul's divinely inspired warning directly precipitates the storm, serving as a cautionary tale about human stubbornness and reliance on conventional wisdom over spiritual discernment. Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereignty amidst chaos**. Even as a terrifying natural force threatens to destroy the ship, the narrative of Acts 27 ultimately demonstrates God's unwavering control and protection over His servant Paul and, by extension, all on board for his sake ([Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - Angelic Assurance to Paul")). Thirdly, it exemplifies the **unpredictability and severity of life's trials**. Just as the Euroclydon arose "not long after" a seemingly calm departure, life often presents sudden, overwhelming challenges that test faith and resilience, echoing the broader Christian experience of tribulation ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tempestuous (Greek, _typhōnikós_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to smoke" or "to raise a cloud of smoke," vividly describes a storm so violent and swirling that it obscures the sky, creating a smoky, hazy appearance due to the driving rain and sea spray. It emphasizes the extreme, blinding, and disorienting nature of the wind, indicating a storm of immense destructive power, far beyond a mere strong breeze.
* **wind (Greek, _ánemos_):** While seemingly a simple word, _ánemos_ here refers not just to air in motion but to a powerful, directional force. In this context, combined with "tempestuous" and "Euroclydon," it denotes a gale-force wind, a driving atmospheric current that dictates the ship's fate, highlighting the vulnerability of ancient mariners to natural elements.
* **Euroclydon (Greek, _Euroklýdōn_):** This specific name for the wind is crucial. It is likely a compound of _euros_ (east wind) and _klydōn_ (wave or swell), precisely describing a violent, wave-driving east-northeasterly wind. Its mention grounds the narrative in geographical and meteorological reality, lending credibility to Luke's account as an eyewitness. This particular wind was notorious for its ability to push ships uncontrollably towards the treacherous shoals and islands of the Mediterranean.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But not long after":** This phrase emphasizes the swift and immediate consequence of the centurion's decision to disregard Paul's warning. The period of deceptive calm was fleeting, highlighting the suddenness with which circumstances can change from seemingly favorable to utterly catastrophic. It underscores the direct cause-and-effect relationship between human choice and ensuing peril.
* **"there arose against it":** The verb "arose" (from G906, _bállō_, "to throw") suggests a sudden, forceful, almost aggressive emergence of the wind. The preposition "against" (G2596, _katá_) explicitly denotes opposition and hostility, portraying the wind not merely as a natural phenomenon but as an active, adversarial force directly confronting the ship and its intended course, making progress impossible.
* **"a tempestuous wind":** This describes the nature of the wind, using the term _typhōnikós_ (see Key Word Analysis). It conveys the extreme violence, swirling chaos, and blinding intensity of the storm. It was not just a strong wind, but a "smoky" or "blinding" tempest, signifying a profound and immediate threat to the vessel's integrity and the lives of those on board.
* **"called Euroclydon":** The specific naming of the wind provides a precise, identifiable meteorological detail. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, "Euroclydon" refers to a dreaded east-northeasterly wind known for its destructive power in the Mediterranean. This detail lends authenticity to Luke's account and vividly communicates the specific, formidable challenge faced by the ship.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological significance of Acts 27:14. The use of **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this verse immediately fulfills Paul's earlier dire warning in [Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul's Warning"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect narrative. The wind is almost **Personified** as it "arose *against* it," suggesting an active, malevolent force rather than a mere natural occurrence, thereby intensifying the sense of conflict and struggle. The naming of the **Euroclydon** serves as a form of **Specific Detail**, grounding the extraordinary event in a recognizable reality for Luke's contemporary readers, enhancing the narrative's credibility and impact. Furthermore, the entire storm sequence acts as **Symbolism**, representing the trials and tribulations that believers face, often due to choices made against divine wisdom, yet also serving as a stage for God's ultimate power and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:14 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human autonomy when it disregards divine counsel. The sudden and overwhelming nature of the Euroclydon illustrates how quickly life's circumstances can shift from perceived calm to utter chaos, often as a direct result of decisions made against wisdom. Theologically, this event highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the most formidable natural forces. While human choices can lead to perilous situations, the narrative of Acts 27 demonstrates that God remains in control, using even adverse circumstances to accomplish His purposes and display His protective power over His chosen instruments. This verse underscores the reality that faith is often most profoundly tested and demonstrated not in tranquil waters, but in the midst of life's most tempestuous storms, where human strength fails, and divine intervention becomes the only hope.

* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "Psalm 107:23-30 - God Calms the Storm")
* [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Trials and Perseverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sudden and violent arrival of the Euroclydon in Acts 27:14 is a powerful metaphor for the unexpected storms that inevitably arise in our lives. These "storms" can manifest as sudden financial crises, health emergencies, relational breakdowns, or profound spiritual struggles. Just as the ancient mariners were utterly at the mercy of the tempestuous wind, we often find ourselves in situations where our own strength, resources, and plans prove inadequate. This verse calls us to profound introspection regarding our decision-making processes, particularly the importance of heeding wise, godly counsel, and discerning divine leading before embarking on critical paths. It also challenges us to cultivate a deep-seated trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that even when life feels completely out of control, He is present, capable of sustaining us, and can even use the most difficult circumstances to refine our faith and reveal His power. Our anchor in such times is not our own ingenuity, but our unwavering reliance on Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "warnings" or wise counsel might I be currently disregarding in my life, and what potential "storms" might that lead to?**
* **How do I typically react when unexpected "tempestuous winds" arise in my life – with panic, self-reliance, or trust in God?**
* **In what ways can I better prepare myself spiritually to face adversity, so that my faith remains steadfast when life's storms hit?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the Euroclydon, and why was it so dangerous?**

Answer: The Euroclydon (Greek, _Euroklýdōn_) was a specific, violent east-northeasterly wind common in the central Mediterranean Sea. Its name, likely combining "east wind" (_euros_) and "wave" or "swell" (_klydōn_), accurately describes its nature. It was particularly dangerous for ancient sailing ships because of its sudden onset, its immense force, and its ability to generate massive, unpredictable waves that could easily swamp or break apart vessels. Unlike predictable seasonal winds, the Euroclydon was known for its erratic behavior, making it nearly impossible to navigate against or even to predict its full fury until it had already struck, as described in [Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Euroclydon Storm").

**Why did the centurion ignore Paul's warning and sail into the storm?**

Answer: The centurion, Julius, was responsible for the prisoners and the ship's safe passage. While Paul offered a warning based on spiritual discernment and possibly some practical observation, the centurion chose to listen to the ship's master and owner ([Acts 27:11](/acts/27-11 "Acts 27:11 - Centurion Listens to Ship's Crew")), who were experienced sailors. Their primary concern was likely finding a more comfortable and secure winter harbor than Fair Havens, such as Phoenix ([Acts 27:12](/acts/27-12 "Acts 27:12 - Desire for Phoenix")). A "south wind blew softly" ([Acts 27:13](/acts/27-13 "Acts 27:13 - Deceptive South Wind")), providing a deceptive sense of safety and encouraging their decision to depart, leading them directly into the Euroclydon. This highlights the human tendency to prioritize comfort and conventional wisdom over potentially divinely-inspired counsel, especially when circumstances seem favorable.

**What happened to the ship and the people after the Euroclydon struck?**

Answer: After the Euroclydon struck, the ship was violently driven by the wind, becoming uncontrollable. The crew had to take drastic measures, including securing the skiff, undergirding the ship with ropes to prevent it from breaking apart, and throwing cargo overboard to lighten the vessel ([Acts 27:16-19](/acts/27-16-19 "Acts 27:16-19 - Efforts to Save the Ship")). For many days, "neither sun nor stars appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" ([Acts 27:20](/acts/27-20 "Acts 27:20 - Loss of Hope")). Despite the dire situation, Paul received an angelic assurance that no lives would be lost, though the ship would be destroyed ([Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - Angelic Assurance to Paul")). Ultimately, after fourteen days adrift, the ship was wrecked on the island of Malta, but all 276 people on board were saved, just as Paul had prophesied ([Acts 27:41-44](/acts/27-41-44 "Acts 27:41-44 - Shipwreck and Survival")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:14, with its depiction of a tempestuous wind threatening to overwhelm a ship and its occupants, powerfully foreshadows and points to the ultimate authority and saving power of Jesus Christ. While Paul's voyage faces a literal storm, the Christian life is often characterized by spiritual "tempestuous winds" of trials, temptations, and tribulations that threaten to shipwreck our faith. In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His sovereign power over creation by literally calming a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, rebuking the wind and the waves with a word, causing a great calm ([Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This act reveals Him as the Lord of all creation, one who can speak peace into the most chaotic circumstances. Just as God preserved Paul and all those with him through the Euroclydon, Christ is our ultimate deliverer and anchor in the storms of life. He is the one who walks on water amidst the waves ([Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water")), inviting us to fix our eyes on Him when fear threatens to engulf us. Our hope, described as "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast," is found in Him, who has entered within the veil ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor")). Thus, the Euroclydon, while a historical event, serves as a vivid reminder that in Christ, we have a Savior who has conquered the most fearsome forces, offering us not merely survival, but eternal security in His unfailing grace, even when all human hope is lost.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 4:37

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

Psalms 107:25

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

Psalms 107:27

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

Ezekiel 27:26

¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:27

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Jonah 1:3

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.