King James Version

What Does Acts 8:36 Mean?

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”

Context

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **They came unto a certain water.**—Men have naturally endeavoured to identify the locality. In the time of Jerome, probably in that of Eusebius (*de loc.*)*, *it was fixed at Bethsura, the Bethzur of 2Chronicles 11:7), about twenty miles from Jerusalem, and two from Hebron. A fountain, now known as *Ain-Edh-Dhirweh* rises near the town, which retains the old name in the slightly altered form of *Beit-Sur.* On the other hand, Robinson is inclined to find the spring in the *Wady-el-Hasey*, between Eleutheropolis and Gaza, not far from the old sites of Lachish and Eglon. This agrees better with the mention of Gaza and with the epithet “desert” as attached to the “way.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 8:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.