King James Version

What Does Acts 16:29 Mean?

Acts 16:29 in the King James Version says “Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,” — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,”

Acts 16:29 · KJV

Context

27

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Read Acts 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas.' The literal light parallels spiritual illumination. His 'trembling' and falling before them shows conviction of sin and recognition of divine power. The proud jailor becomes a humble seeker. God's power in the earthquake opened both prison doors and his heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The jailor's transformation from harsh guard to humble seeker happened in moments. The earthquake, prisoners' presence, and Paul's mercy combined to produce spiritual crisis and openness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use circumstances to produce spiritual hunger?
  2. What does genuine conviction of sin look like?
  3. How should we respond when God opens someone's heart to the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
αἰτήσας1 of 13

“he called”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

δὲ2 of 13

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

φῶτα3 of 13

“for a light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

εἰσεπήδησεν4 of 13

“and sprang in”

G1530

to rush in

καὶ5 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

ἔντρομος6 of 13

“trembling”

G1790

terrified

γενόμενος7 of 13

“came”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

προσέπεσεν8 of 13

“and fell down before”

G4363

to fall towards, i.e., (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm)

τῷ9 of 13
G3588

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

Παύλῳ10 of 13

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ11 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

τῷ12 of 13
G3588

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

Σιλᾷ13 of 13

“Silas”

G4609

silas, a christian

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 16:29 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 16:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:9Psalms 119:120Isaiah 66:5Acts 9:5-6Isaiah 66:2Jeremiah 5:22

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