King James Version

What Does Acts 13:11 Mean?

Acts 13:11 in the King James Version says “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immedi... — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Acts 13:11 · KJV


Context

9

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

10

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

11

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

12

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul pronounced judgment: 'the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.' This miraculous judgment paralleled Paul's Damascus road blinding - divine irony using the same judgment Paul experienced. The temporary nature ('for a season') suggests mercy - opportunity for repentance. The phrase 'hand of the Lord' indicates divine agency in judgment. Reformed theology affirms God's prerogative to judge opposers of His gospel through miraculous signs when He wills. The immediate fulfillment authenticated Paul's apostolic authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This miracle circa AD 47-48 on Cyprus was Paul's first recorded miracle. The judgment's resemblance to Paul's own blinding shows God's redemptive purpose even in judgment - Elymas's blindness might lead to spiritual sight as Paul's had. The proconsul's faith (v.12) resulted from seeing God's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment sometimes mirror His redemptive purposes?
  2. Why did God authenticate apostolic ministry through miraculous signs?
  3. What does temporary rather than permanent judgment teach about God's mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νῦν2 of 29

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἰδού,3 of 29

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

χεὶρ4 of 29

the hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

τοῦ5 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου6 of 29

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐπ'7 of 29

is upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

σέ8 of 29

thee

G4571

thee

καὶ9 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔσῃ10 of 29

thou shalt be

G2071

will be

τυφλὸς11 of 29

blind

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

μὴ12 of 29

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βλέπων13 of 29

seeing

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὸν14 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἥλιον15 of 29

the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

ἄχρι16 of 29

for

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

καιροῦ17 of 29

a season

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

παραχρῆμά18 of 29

immediately

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

δὲ19 of 29

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπέπεσεν20 of 29

there fell

G1968

to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)

ἐπ'21 of 29

is upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτὸν22 of 29

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀχλὺς23 of 29

a mist

G887

dimness of sight, i.e., (probably) a cataract

καὶ24 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σκότος25 of 29

a darkness

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

καὶ26 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιάγων27 of 29

he went about

G4013

to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around

ἐζήτει28 of 29

seeking

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

χειραγωγούς29 of 29

some to lead him by the hand

G5497

a hand-leader, i.e., personal conductor (of a blind person)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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