Cnidus
Dictionary of Bible Names

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Cnidus
Bible Meaning: Nettled
Strong's Concordance #G2834

Cnidus had an excellent harbor and was, according to The Life and Epistles of Paul, "well sheltered from the northwesterly winds, fully supplied with all kinds of stores, and in every way commodious, if needful, for wintering" (Chapter 23).

The Apostle Paul, as a Roman prisoner, was on a ship bound for Rome when it came near the Asia Minor city of Cnidus. Strong winds, however, which had so far added several days to his journey, continued unabated as they reached the port town. Unable to continue travelling in a westerly direction, and kept from reaching port, the ship was forced southward toward the island of Crete.

"At this point they lost the advantages of a favoring current, a weather-shore and smooth water, and were met by all the force of the sea from the westward; and it was judged the most prudent course, instead of contending with a head sea and contrary winds (which they experienced near Cnidus), to run down to the southward, and after rounding Cape Salmone, the easternmost point of Crete, to pursue the voyage (to Italy and Rome) under the lee of that island" (Life and Epistles of Paul, chapter 23).

Important Verses

Acts 27:5 - 9
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

Map of Aegean Sea in the New Testament
Location of Cnidus

And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens: nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast (the Day of Atonement) was now already past, Paul admonished them . . .

Additional Studies


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Series Notes
References are based on the
King James Bible translation (KJV).