King James Version

What Does Acts 9:11 Mean?

Acts 9:11 in the King James Version says “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas fo... — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Acts 9:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Lord gave Ananias specific instructions: go to Straight Street, to Judas' house, and ask for 'Saul of Tarsus.' The specificity shows God's omniscience - knowing exactly where Saul was. The phrase 'for, behold, he prayeth' marks a significant change - the persecutor now prays! Prayer evidences new spiritual life; Saul's prayers demonstrated his regeneration. Reformed theology emphasizes that effectual calling produces prayer - the regenerate heart naturally cries out to God (Romans 8:15). Saul's prayer life began at conversion and would characterize his entire ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tarsus was a major city in Cilicia (modern Turkey), a center of learning and commerce. Saul's identity as 'of Tarsus' marked him as a Roman citizen from a significant city, which would prove providential in his ministry (Acts 22:25-29).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is prayer a mark of genuine conversion and spiritual life?
  2. How does God's knowledge of Saul's exact location and activities demonstrate His omniscience?
  3. What does the detail of these instructions teach about God's sovereign orchestration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
τὴν1 of 24

which

G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

And

G1161

but, and, etc

κύριος3 of 24

the Lord

G2962

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

πρὸς4 of 24

said unto

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,

αὐτόν5 of 24

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

Ἀναστὰς6 of 24

Arise

G450

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

πορεύθητι7 of 24

and go

G4198

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

ἐπὶ8 of 24

into

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

τὴν9 of 24

which

G3588

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

ῥύμην10 of 24

the street

G4505

an alley or avenue (as crowded)

τὴν11 of 24

which

G3588

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

καλουμένην12 of 24

is called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Εὐθεῖαν13 of 24

Straight

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once

καὶ14 of 24

and

G2532

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

ζήτησον15 of 24

enquire

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἐν16 of 24

in

G1722

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

οἰκίᾳ17 of 24

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Ἰούδα18 of 24

of Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

Σαῦλον19 of 24

Saul

G4569

saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul

ὀνόματι20 of 24

for one called

G3686

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

Ταρσέα·21 of 24

of Tarsus

G5018

a tarsean, i.e., native of tarsus

ἰδού,22 of 24

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

γὰρ23 of 24

for

G1063

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

προσεύχεται24 of 24

he prayeth

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship


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 9:11 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 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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