King James Version

What Does Acts 21:13 Mean?

Acts 21:13 in the King James Version says “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die a... — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 21:13 · KJV


Context

11

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

12

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

14

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

15

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's passionate response - 'What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?' - reveals his deep love for fellow believers while maintaining resolute obedience to Christ. His willingness 'to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus' echoes Jesus's own determination to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) and exemplifies the cruciform life Paul described in his letters (Galatians 2:20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This statement proved prophetic of Paul's eventual martyrdom, though not immediately in Jerusalem. Paul's readiness to die manifested the apostolic witness Jesus commissioned (Acts 1:8), where 'witness' (martys) eventually came to mean 'martyr.'

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you willing to follow Christ's calling even when it costs you the comfort and approval of fellow believers?
  2. How does Paul's example challenge modern Christianity's emphasis on personal safety and comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 30

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 30

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 30
G3588

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

Παῦλος4 of 30

Paul

G3972

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

Τί5 of 30

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιεῖτε6 of 30

mean ye

G4160

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

κλαίοντες7 of 30

to weep

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ8 of 30

and

G2532

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

συνθρύπτοντές9 of 30

to break

G4919

to crush together, i.e., (figuratively) to dispirit

μου10 of 30

mine

G3450

of me

τὴν11 of 30
G3588

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

καρδίαν12 of 30

heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ἐγὼ13 of 30

I

G1473

i, me

γὰρ14 of 30

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οὐ15 of 30

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μόνον16 of 30

only

G3440

merely

δεθῆναι17 of 30

to be bound

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ἀλλὰ18 of 30

also

G235

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

καὶ19 of 30

and

G2532

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

ἀποθανεῖν20 of 30

to die

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

εἰς21 of 30

at

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ22 of 30

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

ἑτοίμως23 of 30

ready

G2093

in readiness

ἔχω24 of 30

am

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὑπὲρ25 of 30

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τοῦ26 of 30
G3588

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

ὀνόματος27 of 30

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ28 of 30
G3588

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

κυρίου29 of 30

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ30 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


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 21:13 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 21:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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