King James Version

What Does Acts 20:36 Mean?

Acts 20:36 in the King James Version says “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

Acts 20:36 · KJV


Context

34

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

35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

37

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

38

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.' Prayer concluded the farewell, committing them to God. Kneeling expressed humility and earnestness. Shared prayer bonded departing shepherd and remaining flock.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corporate prayer was standard for farewells in early Christianity (Acts 21:5). The posture and shared experience deepened emotional bonds.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is prayer essential in ministry transitions?
  2. What does kneeling together express about shared dependence on God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Καὶ1 of 11

And

G2532

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

ταῦτα2 of 11

when he had thus

G5023

these things

εἰπὼν3 of 11

spoken

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

θεὶς4 of 11

down

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τὰ5 of 11
G3588

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

γόνατα6 of 11

kneeled

G1119

the "knee"

αὐτοῖς7 of 11

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

σὺν8 of 11

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

πᾶσιν9 of 11

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

αὐτοῖς10 of 11

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

προσηύξατο11 of 11

and prayed

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship


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 20:36 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 20:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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