King James Version

What Does Acts 8:27 Mean?

Acts 8:27 in the King James Version says “And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopian... — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Acts 8:27 · KJV


Context

25

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

26

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Ethiopian eunuch was a 'man of great authority' under Candace, queen of Ethiopia, with charge over her treasury. Despite his power and wealth, he sought God, traveling to Jerusalem to worship. His status as a eunuch meant he couldn't fully join the Jewish community (Deuteronomy 23:1), yet Isaiah prophesied eunuchs would have a place in God's house (Isaiah 56:3-5). His reading Isaiah while returning shows sincere spiritual hunger. Reformed theology sees God's electing grace reaching across barriers - race, social status, and physical condition - to save whom He will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ethiopia (Greek Aithiops) likely refers to Nubia/Kush, south of Egypt in modern Sudan. 'Candace' was a dynastic title for queens, like 'Pharaoh.' Ethiopian Jews existed from ancient times, possibly tracing to Solomon and Sheba or to Jewish merchants and exiles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the eunuch's conversion demonstrate that no one is beyond God's saving reach?
  2. What does his journey to Jerusalem reveal about authentic spiritual hunger?
  3. How does God bring salvation to those physically or socially excluded from religious community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἀναστὰς2 of 25

he arose

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐπορεύθη·3 of 25

and went

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ4 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,5 of 25

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀνὴρ6 of 25

a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

Αἰθιόπων7 of 25

of Ethiopia

G128

an ethiopian (as a blackamoor)

εὐνοῦχος8 of 25

an eunuch

G2135

a castrated person (such being employed in middle eastern bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (sta

δυνάστης9 of 25

of great authority

G1413

a ruler or officer

Κανδάκης10 of 25

under Candace

G2582

candac, an egyptian queen

τῆς11 of 25
G3588

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

βασιλίσσης12 of 25

queen

G938

a queen

Αἰθιόπων13 of 25

of Ethiopia

G128

an ethiopian (as a blackamoor)

ὃς14 of 25

who

G3739

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

ἦν15 of 25

had

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐπὶ16 of 25

the charge of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πάσης17 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῆς18 of 25
G3588

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

γάζης19 of 25

treasure

G1047

a treasure

αὐτῆς20 of 25

her

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

ὃς21 of 25

who

G3739

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

ἐληλύθει22 of 25

and had come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

προσκυνήσων23 of 25

for to worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

εἰς24 of 25

to

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλήμ25 of 25

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine


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 8:27 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 8:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study