King James Version

What Does Acts 23:5 Mean?

Acts 23:5 in the King James Version says “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the r...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.”

Acts 23:5 · KJV

Context

3

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

5

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

6

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

7

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

Read Acts 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest—Paul's statement 'I did not know' (οὐκ ᾔδειν, ouk edein) has sparked much discussion. Perhaps Paul had poor eyesight (Galatians 4:15), or Ananias wasn't wearing high priestly garments, or Paul spoke ironically ('I didn't recognize behavior so corrupt as befitting a high priest'). Regardless, Paul immediately submitted to Scripture.

For it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people—Paul quoted Exodus 22:28, demonstrating his submission to biblical authority even when defending himself against injustice. The Greek archonta (ruler) acknowledges God-ordained authority deserving respect despite personal unworthiness. This models Christian ethics: honor the office even when confronting the office-holder's sin. Paul balanced prophetic boldness (calling out injustice) with covenantal submission (honoring God's word).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul had been absent from Jerusalem for years, possibly explaining unfamiliarity with current leadership. Exodus 22:28 was foundational to Jewish respect for authority. Paul's citation showed his continued reverence for Torah even while proclaiming freedom from its ceremonial requirements. This demonstrated to the Sanhedrin that his gospel didn't promote lawlessness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain biblical respect for authority while confronting its failures?
  2. What does Paul's immediate Scripture quotation teach about knowing God's word for ethical guidance in tense moments?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἔφη1 of 19

“said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

τε2 of 19

“Then”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ὁ3 of 19
G3588

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

Παῦλος4 of 19

“Paul”

G3972

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

οὐκ5 of 19

“not”

G3756

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

ᾔδειν6 of 19

“I wist”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἀδελφοί7 of 19

“brethren”

G80

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

ὅτι8 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐστὶν9 of 19

“he was”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀρχιερεύς·10 of 19

“the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

γέγραπται11 of 19

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γὰρ12 of 19

“for”

G1063

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

Ἄρχοντα13 of 19

“of the ruler”

G758

a first (in rank or power)

τοῦ14 of 19
G3588

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

λαοῦ15 of 19

“people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

σου16 of 19

“of thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

οὐκ17 of 19

“not”

G3756

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

ἐρεῖς18 of 19

“Thou shalt”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

κακῶς19 of 19

“evil”

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

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 23:5 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 23:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:28Ecclesiastes 10:20Jude 1:8-92 Peter 2:10

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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