King James Version

What Does Acts 16:13 Mean?

Acts 16:13 in the King James Version says “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake... — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. sabbath: Gr. sabbath day

Acts 16:13 · KJV


Context

11

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

12

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. the chief: or, the first

13

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. sabbath: Gr. sabbath day

14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's team went 'out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made' seeking Jewish worship. Finding a women's prayer gathering rather than formal synagogue, Paul preached anyway. This flexibility - adapting to find seekers wherever they gather - shows missionary focus on people over institutions and willingness to minister in unexpected venues.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philippi lacked the ten Jewish men required for a synagogue, so Jewish women gathered at the riverside for prayer. This informal setting became the birthplace of Europe's first recorded church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you seek and minister to people in informal settings rather than only established institutions?
  2. What does this teach about flexibility in finding seekers where they are rather than requiring them to come to you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
τῇ1 of 21
G3588

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

τε2 of 21

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἡμέρᾳ3 of 21
G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῶν4 of 21
G3588

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

σαββάτων5 of 21

on the 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,

ἐξήλθομεν6 of 21

we went

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἔξω7 of 21

out of

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς8 of 21
G3588

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

πόλεως9 of 21

the city

G4172

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

παρὰ10 of 21

by

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ποταμὸν11 of 21

a river side

G4215

a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water

οὗ12 of 21

where

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ἐνομίζετο13 of 21

was wont

G3543

properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard

προσευχή14 of 21

prayer

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

εἶναι15 of 21

to be made

G1511

to exist

καὶ16 of 21

and

G2532

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

καθίσαντες17 of 21

we sat down

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

ἐλαλοῦμεν18 of 21

and spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ταῖς19 of 21
G3588

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

συνελθούσαις20 of 21

which resorted

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

γυναιξίν21 of 21

unto the women

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife


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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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