Original Word: Κλαῦδα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Klauda
Pronunciation: KLAU-dah
Phonetic Spelling: (klow'-day)
KJV: Clauda
NASB: Clauda
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. Claude, an island near Crete

Clauda.

Of uncertain derivation; Claude, an island near Crete -- Clauda.

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Clauda, an island near Crete
NASB Translation
Clauda (1).

STRONGS NT 2802: Καῦδα

Καῦδα, see Κλαυδη.

STRONGS NT 2802: ΚλαυδηΚλαυδη (L Tr WH Καῦδα (see WHs Appendix, p. 160), T Κλαῦδα), Κλαυδης, ἡ, Clauda or Cauda the name of a small island lying near Crete on the south, called by Ptolemy, 3, 17, 11 Κλαυδος, by Pomponius Mela () 2, 7 and Pliny, h. n. 4, 20 (12), 61 Gaudos ((now Gaudo-nesi or Clauda-nesa)): Acts 27:16.

Entry Name

Cauda (Strong’s Greek 2802)

Geographical Setting

Cauda is a small island lying approximately twenty-three miles southwest of Crete, in the central Mediterranean. Known today as Gavdos, its position made it a natural lee for vessels seeking temporary shelter from the violent winter winds funneled between Crete and North Africa. Ancient geographers such as Ptolemy mention the island, and Roman nautical charts plotted it as a navigational reference when coasting along Crete’s southern shore.

Biblical Context: Acts 27:16

The sole New Testament occurrence is Acts 27:16, where Luke records: “Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat”. The narrative is part of Paul’s voyage to Rome under military custody. After leaving Fair Havens against Paul’s advice (Acts 27:9-11), the ship was caught by a fierce northeaster (Euraquilo, Acts 27:14). Hugging the protected side of Cauda allowed the crew a brief respite to hoist the small boat onboard and apply emergency undergirding (Acts 27:16-17). Luke’s nautical detail underscores the historical reliability of his account: sailors would naturally seize the lee of Cauda before heading into the open Libyan Sea.

Navigational Challenges and Ancient Seamanship

Cauda’s mention highlights the techniques of first-century seamanship.
• Lee shelter: Ships approached the island’s north-eastern face, using its landmass to blunt the full force of the gale.
• Lifeboat recovery: Heavy seas could swamp a towed dinghy; securing it was critical for later disembarkation.
• Undergirding (Acts 27:17): Ropes or cables were slung beneath the hull to tighten planking, an emergency measure normally attempted only when the vessel was momentarily steadied. Cauda provided just enough calm water for this risky procedure.

Historical References and Archaeology

Roman historians, including Pliny, list Cauda (Claudos) among the smaller Aegean isles subject to Crete’s provincial governance. Pottery fragments, anchor stones, and evidence of ancient moorings recovered along Gavdos’s north coast confirm intermittent use as a safe roadstead. Byzantine monks later occupied the island, preserving its association with early Christian travel routes.

Theological Reflections

1. Providential Guidance: The brief shelter behind Cauda illustrates how God’s care can appear in seemingly minor geographical features. Paul had received a promise of safety and witness in Rome (Acts 23:11; Acts 27:24). Cauda became one of the many means through which that promise was advanced.
2. Faith amid Crisis: Even while engaging in practical seamanship, Paul maintained spiritual authority, later offering thanksgiving and encouragement to all onboard (Acts 27:33-36). The episode teaches a balance between prudent action and trust in divine oversight.
3. Accurate Scripture: Luke’s precise nautical vocabulary (e.g., “lee,” “undergirding,” “wind-driven”) aligns with maritime archaeology, reinforcing the historical credibility of Acts.

Ministry Application

• Leadership in Adversity: Paul’s calm counsel aboard a storm-tossed ship models pastoral steadiness under pressure (compare 2 Timothy 4:17).
• Small Mercies: Like the shelter of Cauda, God often provides brief windows of relief enabling believers to regroup and continue their mission. Recognizing and seizing such moments is part of wise stewardship.
• Witness through Competence: Luke’s attention to nautical detail shows respect for professional knowledge. Modern ministry likewise benefits from engaging experts and honoring legitimate skill sets within the body of Christ.

Related Scriptures

Acts 27:9-38 – The wider account of the storm and shipwreck.

Psalm 107:23-30 – The Lord stilling the storm, thematically parallel.

Mark 4:35-41 – Jesus’ authority over wind and waves.

2 Corinthians 11:25-27 – Paul’s testimony of shipwrecks and perils at sea.

Καυδα Καῦδα Kauda KaûdaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts