King James Version

What Does Acts 23:21 Mean?

Acts 23:21 in the King James Version says “But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 23:21 · KJV


Context

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.

22

So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

23

And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The nephew warns there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, describing an anathema (ἀνάθεμα) oath: bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. This self-cursing vow invoked divine judgment if unfulfilled—a practice rooted in Numbers 30 and Deuteronomy 23. The conspirators' fanaticism mirrors later sicarii (dagger-men) terrorism. Their murderous intent violated the Sixth Commandment while claiming religious devotion, exposing how tradition can corrupt conscience (Mark 7:13).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine saw numerous zealot groups willing to assassinate perceived enemies of Israel. These 'forty men' likely included temple police or zealots. Their plot failed, but such fanaticism eventually contributed to the Jewish War (AD 66-70).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious conviction become divorced from moral truth, leading to violence?
  2. What safeguards protect against confusing human tradition with God's will?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
σὺ1 of 33

thou

G4771

thou

οὖν2 of 33

But

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

μὴ3 of 33

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πεισθῇς4 of 33

do

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

αὐτόν5 of 33

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

ἐνεδρεύουσιν6 of 33

there lie in wait for

G1748

to lurk, i.e., (figuratively) plot assassination

γὰρ7 of 33

for

G1063

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

αὐτόν8 of 33

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

ἐξ9 of 33

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτόν10 of 33

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

ἄνδρες11 of 33

men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

πλείους12 of 33

more than

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

τεσσαράκοντα13 of 33

forty

G5062

forty

οἵτινες14 of 33

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἀνεθεμάτισαν15 of 33

have bound

G332

to declare or vow under penalty of execration

ἑαυτοὺς16 of 33

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

μήτε17 of 33

neither

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

φαγεῖν18 of 33

eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

μήτε19 of 33

neither

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

πιεῖν20 of 33

drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἕως21 of 33

till

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

οὗ22 of 33
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀνέλωσιν23 of 33

they have killed

G337

to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

αὐτόν24 of 33

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

καὶ25 of 33

and

G2532

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

νῦν26 of 33

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἕτοιμοι27 of 33

ready

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

εἰσιν28 of 33

are they

G1526

they are

προσδεχόμενοι29 of 33

looking for

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

τὴν30 of 33
G3588

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

ἀπὸ31 of 33

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

σοῦ32 of 33

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐπαγγελίαν33 of 33

a promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)


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 23:21 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 23:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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