Acts 27:16 - Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.

Generated Verse: Acts 27:16

What does "Acts 27:16" mean?


Let's break down Acts 27:16: "Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat."

"Running under the lee...": The ship was sailing or drifting in the direction protected from the wind by the island. The "lee" side of an island is the side sheltered from the wind. Ships often sought the lee of an island during a storm for calmer waters and protection from the full force of the wind.

"...of a small island called Clauda...": This identifies the specific location where the events occurred. Clauda is a real island, known today as Gavdos, located south of Crete.

"...we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.": This is the key action. The "boat" here refers to the small lifeboat or skiff towed behind the larger ship. Because the ship was being battered by a storm, the lifeboat was likely being tossed around violently. The crew managed, despite the perilous conditions, to haul the lifeboat back onto the ship. The phrase "with difficulty" underscores the danger and effort involved. This also indicates that the lifeboat was in danger of being ripped from its mooring.

In essence, the verse describes a desperate situation: The ship, caught in a storm, sought shelter near the island of Clauda. While in the relatively calmer waters on the lee side of the island, the crew struggled and managed to pull the lifeboat back on board the ship, preventing it from being lost in the storm. The verse emphasizes the danger and the skill and effort required to perform this task in the adverse weather.

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