King James Version

What Does Acts 13:44 Mean?

Acts 13:44 in the King James Version says “And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 13:44 · KJV

Context

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.

45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. The Greek phrase schedon pasa hē polis (σχεδὸν πᾶσα ἡ πόλις) emphasizes the remarkable scope—'almost the entire city'—gathering to hear the logos tou Theou (λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ), the word of God. This explosive growth in one week reveals the Spirit's sovereign work in Pisidian Antioch, as Gentiles hungered for the gospel that most Jews would reject.

The contrast is stunning: verse 42 shows Gentiles begging Paul to return; verse 44 shows them flooding the synagogue. What began as a Jewish assembly became overwhelmingly Gentile, foreshadowing the church's future composition. The phrase to hear (ἀκοῦσαι, akousai) indicates more than casual listening—they came with expectant faith to receive God's authoritative word, the same response Jesus commended: 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pisidian Antioch was a Roman colony in Asia Minor with significant Jewish and Gentile populations. Paul's first sabbath message (13:16-41) had clearly resonated beyond the synagogue, spreading throughout the city during the week. This mass gathering would have filled and overflowed the synagogue, creating visible evidence of Gentile interest that triggered Jewish jealousy (v. 45).

Reflection Questions

  1. What in Paul's message (Acts 13:16-41) caused such explosive interest that the whole city gathered to hear more?
  2. When have you seen God's word draw unexpected crowds or create hunger in unlikely people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Τῷ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐρχομένῳ3 of 14

“the next”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

σαββάτῳ4 of 14

“sabbath day”

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,

σχεδὸν5 of 14

“almost”

G4975

nigh, i.e., nearly

πᾶσα6 of 14

“the whole”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἡ7 of 14
G3588

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

πόλις8 of 14

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

συνήχθη9 of 14

“came”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

ἀκοῦσαι10 of 14

“to hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὸν11 of 14
G3588

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

λόγον12 of 14

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ13 of 14
G3588

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

Θεοῦ14 of 14

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 13:44 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 13:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:8Psalms 110:3Isaiah 11:10Genesis 49:10

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