King James Version

What Does Acts 17:9 Mean?

Acts 17:9 in the King James Version says “And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.”

Acts 17:9 · KJV

Context

7

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

8

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

9

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

10

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily , whether those things were so.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they had taken security of Jason (λαβόντες τὸ ἱκανὸν παρὰ τοῦ Ἰάσονος)—literally 'having received the sufficient from Jason.' The Greek to hikanon refers to a bail bond or surety, likely a monetary pledge guaranteeing Paul and Silas would not return to disturb the peace. Jason became legally responsible for their conduct, placing his property and freedom at risk for the gospel.

They let them go (ἀπέλυσαν αὐτούς)—The politarchs released Paul's team without formal charges, recognizing the accusations lacked merit. Jason's financial guarantee satisfied Roman pragmatism: order was restored without punishing innocent men. This legal maneuver allowed the gospel to advance while protecting the fledgling church, though it forced Paul to leave Thessalonica prematurely (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 suggests Paul desperately wanted to return).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Roman Macedonia (circa 50 AD), politarchs (city rulers) balanced maintaining order with Roman legal principles. Archaeological inscriptions confirm this unique title used in Thessalonian governance. The 'security' was likely a cash bond forfeited if Paul returned and caused further disturbances—a common Roman legal practice protecting public order while avoiding unjust imprisonment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What has the gospel cost you in terms of risk, reputation, or resources, as it cost Jason his security?
  2. How does Paul's forced departure from Thessalonica (yet productive ministry elsewhere) illustrate God's sovereignty over both success and apparent setbacks?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

λαβόντες2 of 12

“when they had taken”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸ3 of 12
G3588

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

ἱκανὸν4 of 12

“security”

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

παρὰ5 of 12

“of”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῦ6 of 12
G3588

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

Ἰάσονος7 of 12

“Jason”

G2394

about to cure; jason, a christian

καὶ8 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

τῶν9 of 12
G3588

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

λοιπῶν10 of 12

“of the other”

G3062

remaining ones

ἀπέλυσαν11 of 12

“go”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

αὐτούς12 of 12

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 17:5

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