King James Version
Acts 16:38 in the King James Version says “And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.”
Acts 16:38 · KJV
And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans , and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“unto the magistrates”
G4755a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
“the serjeants”
G4465a rod- (the latin <i>fasces</i>) holder, i.e., a roman lictor (constable or executioner)
“words”
G4487an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“they feared”
G5399to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
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.
Acts 16:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Acts 16:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge