King James Version
What Does Acts 23:19 Mean?
“Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately , and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?”
Acts 23:19 · KJV
Context
17
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
18
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
19
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately , and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
20
And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
21
But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe chief captain's personal attention - taking the young man 'by the hand' and asking privately - shows respect and prudence. His willingness to hear information from a young Jewish man demonstrates Roman professional competence in gathering intelligence. This private inquiry protected both the informant and the investigation, showing wisdom in handling sensitive information.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman military officers were trained in intelligence gathering and maintaining civil order. The commander's careful handling of this information reflects Roman administrative competence that helped maintain empire-wide stability.
Reflection Questions
- How do you handle sensitive information with discretion while taking appropriate action?
- What does this teach about God's use of professional competence in secular authorities to accomplish His purposes?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsἐπιλαβόμενος1 of 18
“took”
G1949to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
χειρὸς4 of 18
“by the hand”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτοῦ5 of 18
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
χιλίαρχος7 of 18
“the chief captain”
G5506the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
καὶ8 of 18
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατ'10 of 18
“privately”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἐπυνθάνετο12 of 18
“and asked”
G4441to question, i.e., ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from g2065, which properly means a request as a favor;
Τί13 of 18
“him What”
G5101an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἔχεις16 of 18
“that thou hast”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
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 23:19 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 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge