King James Version

What Does Acts 18:21 Mean?

Acts 18:21 in the King James Version says “But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again un... — study this verse from Acts chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Acts 18:21 · KJV


Context

19

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

20

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

21

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

22

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

23

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem' - Paul's Jerusalem orientation showed continued Jewish identity. 'I will return again unto you, if God will' expressed submission to providence. Plans were made contingent on divine permission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Which feast Paul intended to keep is uncertain - possibly Passover or Pentecost. His Jerusalem visits maintained connection with the mother church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Paul balance Gentile mission with Jewish heritage?
  2. What does 'if God will' teach about making plans?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀλλ'1 of 27

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἀπετάξατο2 of 27

bade

G657

literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce

αὐτοῖς,3 of 27

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

εἰπών4 of 27

saying

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Δεῖ5 of 27

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

με6 of 27

I

G3165

me

πάντως7 of 27

by all means

G3843

entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event

τὴν8 of 27
G3588

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

ἑορτὴν9 of 27

this feast

G1859

a festival

τὴν10 of 27
G3588

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

ἐρχομενην11 of 27

that cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ποιῆσαι12 of 27

keep

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰς13 of 27

in

G1519

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

Ἰεροσόλυμα,14 of 27

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

Πάλιν15 of 27

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

δὲ16 of 27

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνακάμψω17 of 27

I will return

G344

to turn back

πρὸς18 of 27

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς19 of 27

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τοῦ20 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ21 of 27

if God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

θέλοντος22 of 27

will

G2309

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

καὶ23 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἀνήχθη24 of 27

he sailed

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

ἀπὸ25 of 27

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς26 of 27
G3588

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

Ἐφέσου27 of 27

Ephesus

G2181

ephesus, a city of asia minor


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 18:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 18:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study