King James Version
Acts 17:21 in the King James Version says “(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear s...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“(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.)”
Acts 17:21 · KJV
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
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean .
(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.)
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
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. devotions: or, gods that ye worship
KJV Study — Public Domain
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“were there”
G1927to make oneself at home, i.e., (by extension) to reside (in a foreign country)
“strangers”
G3581foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer
“in”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“to tell”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“new thing”
G2537new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
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 17:21 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 17:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge