King James Version

What Does Acts 17:22 Mean?

Acts 17:22 in the King James Version says “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superst...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Acts 17:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

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

24

God that made the world and all things therein , seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Read Acts 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's opening—'Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious'—shows cultural sensitivity. The Greek 'deisidaimon' could mean either 'very religious' or 'superstitious,' allowing positive hearing. His observation of their altar 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD' provided bridge for gospel introduction, modeling contextualized evangelism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

On Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens (AD 51), Paul addressed philosophers in the Empire's intellectual capital. His speech demonstrates sophisticated cultural engagement, quoting Greek poets while presenting biblical truth, though results proved limited in this proud city.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians engage culture's ideas while remaining faithful to biblical truth?
  2. What balance should exist between contextualization and clarity in presenting the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Σταθεὶς1 of 18

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 18

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 18
G3588

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

Παῦλος4 of 18

“Paul”

G3972

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

ἐν5 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ6 of 18

“the midst”

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τοῦ7 of 18
G3588

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

Πάγου8 of 18

“of Mars' hill”

G697

rock of ares, a place in athens

Πάγου9 of 18

“of Mars' hill”

G697

rock of ares, a place in athens

ἔφη10 of 18

“and said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ἄνδρες11 of 18

“Ye men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

Ἀθηναῖοι12 of 18

“of Athens”

G117

an athenaean or inhabitant of athenae

κατὰ13 of 18

“in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πάντα14 of 18

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὡς15 of 18

“that”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δεισιδαιμονεστέρους16 of 18

“are too superstitious”

G1174

more religious than others

ὑμᾶς17 of 18

“ye”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

θεωρῶ18 of 18

“I perceive”

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

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 17:22 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 17:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 25:19Acts 19:35Acts 17:16Jeremiah 10:2-3Jeremiah 50:38

Places in This Verse

AreopagusHill · Modern: Areopagus · 37.97°N, 23.72°E3 verses across 1 book
AthensSettlement · Modern: Athens · 37.97°N, 23.73°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in Acts 17 →

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