King James Version

What Does Acts 9:10 Mean?

Acts 9:10 in the King James Version says “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said,... — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Acts 9:10 · KJV


Context

8

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision, calling him by name - demonstrating God's personal knowledge of His servants. Ananias' response 'Behold, I am here, Lord' echoes the response of faithful servants throughout Scripture (Abraham, Moses, Samuel). God was orchestrating the meeting between Ananias and Saul, preparing both through visions. From a Reformed perspective, this shows God's sovereignty in using ordinary believers (Ananias was a disciple, not an apostle) to accomplish His purposes. The Lord's detailed instructions would overcome Ananias' natural fear.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ananias is described as 'a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews' (Acts 22:12), suggesting a Jewish Christian well-respected in Damascus. His role in Saul's conversion shows God uses available instruments, not necessarily prominent leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's call of Ananias encourage ordinary believers to obey extraordinary callings?
  2. What does Ananias' response teach about readiness to serve God?
  3. Why does God prepare both parties when orchestrating divine appointments?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ἦν1 of 23

there was

G2258

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

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 23

a certain

G5100

some or any person or object

μαθητὴς4 of 23

disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐν5 of 23

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Δαμασκῷ6 of 23

Damascus

G1154

damascus, a city of syria

ὀνόματι7 of 23

named

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Ἁνανία8 of 23

Ananias

G367

ananias, the name of three israelites

καὶ9 of 23

and

G2532

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

εἶπεν10 of 23

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς11 of 23

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτὸν12 of 23

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

13 of 23
G3588

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

κύριε14 of 23

am here Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐν15 of 23

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὁράματι16 of 23

a vision

G3705

something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)

Ἁνανία17 of 23

Ananias

G367

ananias, the name of three israelites

18 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ19 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν20 of 23

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἰδού,21 of 23

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐγώ22 of 23

I

G1473

i, me

κύριε23 of 23

am here Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)


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 9:10 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 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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