And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
Parallel translations
- WEB When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.
- BSB When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete.
- NKJV When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.
- NASB When a moderate south wind came up, thinking that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, closer to shore.
- NLT When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A gentle south wind tempts them to believe success is at hand, so they sail close along Crete.
Overview
The mild wind seems to confirm their plan, and they set out confidently. This false security precedes sudden calamity, a sober pattern in Scripture where apparent ease masks coming trial. The verse heightens the drama and warns against trusting favorable circumstances over God-given counsel.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- Luke 12:55And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
- Ps 78:26He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.
- Song 4:16Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.
- Job 37:17How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
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Original language
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