King James Version

What Does Acts 17:20 Mean?

Acts 17:20 in the King James Version says “For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean .” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean .”

Acts 17:20 · KJV

Context

18

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. babbler: or, base fellow

19

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? Areopagus: or, Mars-hill: it was the highest court in Athens

20

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean .

21

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

22

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Mars' hill: or, court of the Areopagites

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou bringest certain strange things to our ears (ξενίζοντά τινα εἰσφέρεις εἰς τὰς ἀκοὰς ἡμῶν)—The verb xenizonta means "foreign," "alien," or "surprising." The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers found Paul's proclamation of Jesus and the resurrection (anastasis, v.18) utterly novel—not merely unfamiliar, but intellectually jarring to Greek philosophical categories. Athens prided itself on intellectual sophistication, yet Paul's gospel defied their wisdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23).

We would know therefore what these things mean (βουλόμεθα οὖν γνῶναι τίνα θέλει ταῦτα εἶναι)—The word boulometha expresses deliberate desire or intention. This wasn't casual curiosity but formal philosophical inquiry. The Areopagus court (v.19) evaluated new teachings for civic and religious propriety. Paul stood where Socrates was tried—a providential platform for gospel proclamation to the intellectual capital of the ancient world.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Athens in AD 50-51 remained culturally prestigious though politically diminished under Roman rule. The Areopagus (Mars Hill) functioned both as a location and a judicial council examining religious innovations. Luke notes Athenians "spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing" (v.21)—a characteristic observed by contemporary writers like Demosthenes and Thucydides.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the gospel remain "strange" and countercultural to modern intellectual trends and philosophical assumptions?
  2. What can we learn from Paul's willingness to engage hostile intellectual environments rather than retreat to safer audiences?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ξενίζοντα1 of 16

“strange things”

G3579

to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange

γάρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τινα3 of 16

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

εἰσφέρεις4 of 16

“thou bringest”

G1533

to carry inward (literally or figuratively)

εἰς5 of 16

“to”

G1519

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

τὰς6 of 16
G3588

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

ἀκοὰς7 of 16

“ears”

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

ἡμῶν·8 of 16

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

βουλόμεθα9 of 16

“we would”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

οὖν10 of 16

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

γνῶναι11 of 16

“know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τί12 of 16

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἂν13 of 16

“mean”

G302

whatsoever

θέλοι14 of 16
G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ταῦτα15 of 16

“these things”

G5023

these things

εἶναι16 of 16
G1511

to exist

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 17:20 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 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:231 Corinthians 2:14Hosea 8:121 Corinthians 1:181 Peter 4:4Acts 10:17

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