King James Version

What Does Acts 9:2 Mean?

Acts 9:2 in the King James Version says “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or wom...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. of this way: Gr. of the way”

Acts 9:2 · KJV

Context

1

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. of this way: Gr. of the way

3

And as he journeyed , he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Read Acts 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saul sought authorization to arrest 'any of this way' - an early designation for Christianity emphasizing it as a complete way of life, not mere philosophy. His target included both 'men and women,' showing comprehensive persecution. That he sought to 'bring them bound unto Jerusalem' indicates intent for trial and punishment. The phrase 'this way' (Greek hodos) recalls Jesus' declaration 'I am the way' (John 14:6), identifying Christianity not as one option among many but as the exclusive path to God. Saul sought to destroy 'the way' but would become its most ardent proponent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The high priest's authority extended to diaspora synagogues for religious matters. Damascus was outside Judea but had cooperative relations with Jerusalem's religious authorities. This persecution charter gave Saul official power to arrest and extradite Christians.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does calling Christianity 'the way' teach about its exclusive truth claims?
  2. How does Saul's authority from religious leaders contrast with his later authority from Christ?
  3. Why did Saul's zeal against 'the way' later become zeal for it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ᾐτήσατο1 of 24

“And desired”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

παρ'2 of 24

“of”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτοῦ3 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

ἐπιστολὰς4 of 24

“letters”

G1992

a written message

εἰς5 of 24

“to”

G1519

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

Δαμασκὸν6 of 24

“Damascus”

G1154

damascus, a city of syria

πρὸς7 of 24

“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,

τὰς8 of 24
G3588

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

συναγωγάς9 of 24

“the synagogues”

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

ὅπως10 of 24

“that”

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

ἐάν11 of 24

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τινας12 of 24

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

εὕρῃ13 of 24

“he found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τῆς14 of 24
G3588

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

ὁδοῦ15 of 24

“of this way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ὄντας16 of 24

“they were”

G5607

being

ἄνδρας17 of 24

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τε18 of 24

“whether”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ19 of 24

“or”

G2532

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

γυναῖκας20 of 24

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

δεδεμένους21 of 24

“bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ἀγάγῃ22 of 24

“he might bring them”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

εἰς23 of 24

“to”

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλήμ24 of 24

“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 9:2 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 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:23Acts 19:9Acts 24:14Acts 22:4-5Acts 24:22Acts 18:25

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Acts 9 →

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