Lexical Summary limén: Harbor, Port Original Word: λιμήν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance haven. Apparently a primary word; a harbor -- haven. Compare Kaloi Limenes. see GREEK Kaloi Limenes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a harbor, a haven NASB Translation harbor (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3040: λιμήνλιμήν, λιμένος, ὁ (allied with λίμνη, which see; from Homer down), a harbor, haven: Acts 27:8, 12; see καλοί λιμενες, p. 322{a}. Topical Lexicon Geographical and Nautical Context Harbors were indispensable to commerce, travel, and military strategy across the Mediterranean. Natural inlets enclosed by headlands or man-made basins offered respite from the notorious winter gales of the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. Among the islands, Crete was famed for multiple anchorages, two of which—Fair Havens and Phoenix—intersect the itinerary of the apostle Paul. The presence of reliable harbors affected the timing of voyages, dictated shipping lanes, and shaped local economies. In biblical narrative, the choice of a harbor often frames a theological lesson on human deliberation versus divine direction. Occurrences in Acts 27 1. Acts 27:8 situates Paul’s Alexandrian grain ship as it “came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.” The brief stop reveals both the vessel’s vulnerable state and Paul’s growing prophetic voice, soon to caution against proceeding. Historical Background: Harbors in the First Century Roman shipping observed the mare clausum, roughly mid-November to mid-March, when voyages were discouraged. Crete’s southern coast offered marginal protection during this closed season. Fair Havens, though serviceable in calmer months, exposed ships to southerly winds; Phoenix opened westward and north-westward, allowing improved shelter yet requiring hazardous navigation around Cape Matala. These details align precisely with Luke’s nautical terminology, reflecting first-hand knowledge and lending credibility to the historical account. Old Testament and Intertestamental Echoes While the Greek Old Testament employs the term for safe haven imagery (e.g., Psalms 107:30; Isaiah 23:2), Acts 27 uniquely transposes the physical harbor into a lived drama of salvation history. Psalms 107:29-30 celebrates the Lord who “stills the storm to a whisper” and guides sailors “to their desired haven,” language foreshadowing Paul’s deliverance from shipwreck and eventual arrival in Rome under divine mandate. Spiritual Lessons from Maritime Imagery • Dependence on God over human calculation: Experienced sailors dismissed Fair Havens; yet obedience to God’s warning would have spared loss. Ministry Application Modern disciples may draw parallels between life’s “harbors” and seasons demanding strategic pausing versus advancing. Leaders are called to weigh counsel prayerfully, discerning between prudent caution and faithless retreat. Like Fair Havens, some options appear inconvenient yet align with God’s timing; like Phoenix, others appeal to comfort yet lead to peril. The passage encourages intercessory leadership, prophetic boldness, and unwavering trust that the Lord who directs the wind also steers His servants toward their appointed destination. Forms and Transliterations λιμενα λιμένα Λιμενας Λιμένας λιμενος λιμένος limena liména Limenas Liménas limenos liménosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 27:8 N-AMPGRK: καλούμενον Καλοὺς Λιμένας ᾧ ἐγγὺς INT: called Fair Havens to which near Acts 27:12 N-GMS Acts 27:12 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3040 |
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