King James Version

What Does Acts 13:42 Mean?

Acts 13:42 in the King James Version says “And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the n...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. the next: Gr. in the week between, or, in the sabbath between”

Acts 13:42 · KJV

Context

40

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

42

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. the next: Gr. in the week between, or, in the sabbath between

43

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought (παρεκάλουν τὰ ἔθνη)—The Greek parekáloun means 'earnestly pleaded' or 'urgently requested,' revealing the Gentiles' spiritual hunger. This pivotal moment marks the turning point in Paul's first missionary journey where Gentile interest surpasses Jewish reception.

That these words might be preached to them the next sabbath—The Gentiles didn't ask for a different message but for these same words (τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα)—Paul's sermon about Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's promises (13:16-41). Their request for the 'next sabbath' shows they understood this wasn't casual entertainment but life-transforming truth requiring the assembly of the whole community. This response fulfills Jesus's prophecy that the gospel would go 'to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8) and foreshadows Paul's pattern: 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred in Pisidian Antioch (modern Turkey) circa AD 47-48 during Paul's first missionary journey. The synagogue provided a ready audience for the gospel, as God-fearing Gentiles (σεβόμενοι) regularly attended to learn about the one true God. The 'next sabbath' request reflects Jewish worship patterns that structured the week around Sabbath gatherings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the Gentiles' urgent request reveal about spiritual hunger versus religious familiarity—and which characterizes your own approach to Scripture?
  2. How does this verse demonstrate God's sovereign plan to include all nations, and how should that shape our understanding of the church's mission today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Ἐξιόντων1 of 19

“were gone”

G1826

to issue, i.e., leave (a place), escape (to the shore)

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκ3 of 19

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τὴς4 of 19
G3588

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

συναγωγῆς5 of 19

“the synagogue”

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

τῶν6 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων,7 of 19

“when the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

παρεκάλουν8 of 19

“besought”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

τὰ9 of 19
G3588

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

ἔθνη10 of 19

“the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

εἰς11 of 19
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ12 of 19
G3588

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

μεταξὺ13 of 19

“the next”

G3342

betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining

σάββατον14 of 19

“sabbath”

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

λαληθῆναι15 of 19

“might be preached”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτοῖς16 of 19
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

τὰ17 of 19
G3588

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

ῥήματα18 of 19

“words”

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

ταῦτα19 of 19

“that these”

G5023

these things

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 13:42 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 13:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 28:28Acts 13:14Ezekiel 3:6Matthew 11:21Matthew 19:30Acts 10:33

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