King James Version

What Does Acts 21:20 Mean?

Acts 21:20 in the King James Version says “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews ther... — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

Acts 21:20 · KJV


Context

18

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

19

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

20

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

21

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

22

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Jerusalem elders' report that 'many thousands' (Greek 'myriades,' literally 'myriads') of Jews believed demonstrated the gospel's powerful impact even in Judaism's heartland. However, these believers remained 'zealous of the law,' creating tension with Paul's law-free Gentile mission. This verse captures the transitional period as God's redemptive program moved from Israel-centered to church-centered.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This large number of Jewish believers in Jerusalem (possibly 20,000-50,000) shows Christianity's early growth within Judaism. Their continued law-observance was culturally appropriate for Jews, though not required for salvation (Acts 15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance respect for cultural-religious traditions with the freedom of the gospel?
  2. What does this teach about allowing different expressions of faith within the one body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τοῦ1 of 23

which

G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκούσαντες3 of 23

when they heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐδόξαζον4 of 23

it they glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τοῦ5 of 23

which

G3588

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

Κύριον·6 of 23

the Lord

G2962

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

εἶπόν7 of 23

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τε8 of 23

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

αὐτῷ9 of 23

unto him

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

Θεωρεῖς10 of 23

Thou seest

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

ἀδελφέ11 of 23

brother

G80

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

πόσαι12 of 23

how many

G4214

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

μυριάδες13 of 23

thousands

G3461

a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number

εἰσὶν14 of 23

there are

G1526

they are

Ἰουδαίων15 of 23

of Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τοῦ16 of 23

which

G3588

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

πεπιστευκότων17 of 23

believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

καὶ18 of 23

and

G2532

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

πάντες19 of 23

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ζηλωταὶ20 of 23

zealous

G2207

a "zealot"

τοῦ21 of 23

which

G3588

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

νόμου22 of 23

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ὑπάρχουσιν·23 of 23

they are

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip


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 21:20 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 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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