King James Version

What Does Acts 20:32 Mean?

Acts 20:32 in the King James Version says “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Acts 20:32 · KJV


Context

30

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

32

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

33

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's final commendation - 'I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace' - identifies the twin foundations for Christian perseverance: God's person and His revealed Word. The 'word of his grace' doesn't merely inform but actively 'builds up' and gives inheritance. This confidence in Scripture's power through the Spirit's work remains the church's hope across generations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This farewell to the Ephesian elders (whom Paul expected never to see again, verse 25) established their spiritual resources for continuing ministry after his departure. His emphasis on Word over personality cult provided healthy foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your spiritual life rest on God's Word rather than dependency on human teachers?
  2. What does this teach about the sufficiency of Scripture and grace for Christian growth and ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

τανῦν2 of 24
G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

παρατίθεμαι3 of 24

I commend

G3908

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

ὑμᾶς4 of 24

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοὶ,5 of 24

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

τοῖς6 of 24

which

G3588

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

θεῷ7 of 24

to God

G2316

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

καὶ8 of 24

And

G2532

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

τοῖς9 of 24

which

G3588

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

λόγῳ10 of 24

to the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῖς11 of 24

which

G3588

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

χάριτος12 of 24

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

αὐτοῦ13 of 24

of his

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

τοῖς14 of 24

which

G3588

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

δυναμένῳ15 of 24

is able

G1410

to be able or possible

ἐποἰκοδομῆσαι,16 of 24

to build you up

G2026

to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

καὶ17 of 24

And

G2532

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

δοῦναι18 of 24

to give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν19 of 24

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

κληρονομίαν20 of 24

an inheritance

G2817

heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession

ἐν21 of 24

among

G1722

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

τοῖς22 of 24

which

G3588

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

ἡγιασμένοις23 of 24

them which are sanctified

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

πᾶσιν24 of 24

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole


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 20:32 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 20:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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