Bible Strands
Acts 27:9
By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the ship’s crew and passengers after they anchor at Fair Havens, noting that the sailing season has ended. He speaks to them as they prepare to depart again despite the changing weather.
The words — The text uses ἐπισφαλοῦς (episphalous) to describe the voyage as dangerous, and ἤδη (ēdē) to mark that this peril is already present. These terms ground Paul’s warning in observable conditions rather than abstract fear.
The thread — The phrase “the Fast” points to the Day of Atonement, referenced in Leviticus 23:27, Numbers 29:7, and Leviticus 16:29 as a sacred time of humility and cessation of work. The author links the liturgical calendar to maritime safety, showing how religious observance intersects with practical navigation.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to recognize that practical warnings often emerge from observable timing and established boundaries. It demands attention to natural and cultural markers before proceeding into known risk.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
Cross-references
- Leviticus 23:27 “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present a food offering to the LORD.
- Numbers 29:7 On the tenth day of this seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you shall humble yourselves; you must not do any work.
- Leviticus 16:29 This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—