King James Version

What Does Acts 21:6 Mean?

Acts 21:6 in the King James Version says “And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.”

Acts 21:6 · KJV

Context

4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

5

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

6

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

7

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

8

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Read Acts 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When we had taken our leave (ἀσπάζομαι, aspázomai)—The Greek conveys affectionate farewell between believers who may never meet again on earth. The pattern of 'we took ship; and they returned home again' captures the bittersweet reality of Christian mission—some are called to go, others to stay and sustain home communities. Both callings serve God's kingdom purposes, neither superior to the other. This verse exemplifies the mutual love and painful partings that characterized early church relationships.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Maritime travel in the first century involved significant risk and uncertainty. Farewells like this carried weight because shipwreck, piracy, or persecution could mean permanent separation. The Tyrian believers' return 'home' suggests stable Christian community established in their city.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you view the calling to 'stay and sustain' versus the calling to 'go and pioneer' in kingdom work?
  2. What does this passage teach about maintaining meaningful Christian fellowship despite geographic separation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἀσπασάμενοι2 of 13

“when we had taken our leave”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ἀλλήλους3 of 13

“one of another”

G240

one another

ἐπέβημεν4 of 13

“we took”

G1910

to walk upon, i.e., mount, ascend, embark, arrive

εἰς5 of 13
G1519

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

τὸ6 of 13
G3588

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

πλοῖον7 of 13

“ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἐκεῖνοι8 of 13

“they”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

δὲ9 of 13

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑπέστρεψαν10 of 13

“again”

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

εἰς11 of 13
G1519

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

τὰ12 of 13
G3588

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

ἴδια13 of 13

“home”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:27John 1:112 Corinthians 2:13John 16:32John 7:53

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 21 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes