Devine Scripture

Acts 13:21

What does Acts 13:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 13:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 13:21 means

Paul recounts how the people of Israel eventually desired a king, like the surrounding nations. In response to their request, God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. This historical detail highlights God's sovereignty even in allowing His people to pursue a path that was not His ideal, yet still working within their choices. The mention of King Saul's reign is a significant point in Israel's history, setting the stage for the lineage that would ultimately lead to the promised Messiah.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And afterward they asked for a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for the space of forty years.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And afterward they asked for a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for the space of forty years.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then at their request for a king, God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man of the family of Benjamin, who was their king for forty years.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and thereafter they asked for a king, and God did give to them Saul, son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after that they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And then they asked for a king, andGod gave to them Saul, son of Kis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, during forty years.

Context

Following the period of the Judges in verse 20, this verse transitions to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, beginning with King Saul. This detail is crucial in Paul's historical overview, as it sets the stage for the more significant king, David, whose lineage is directly tied to the Messiah. This event leads logically to God's rejection of Saul and His raising up of David, as explained in verse 22, thereby advancing the narrative toward the lineage of Christ.

v.20and after these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

v.21This passage

v.22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who shall do all my will.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 11:15

    And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before Jehovah in Gilgal; and there they offered sacrifices of peace-offerings before Jehovah; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

  • 1 Samuel 15:1

    And Samuel said unto Saul, Jehovah sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of Jehovah.

  • 1 Samuel 10:21

    And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when they sought him, he could not be found.

  • 1 Samuel 8:5

    and they said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

  • 1 Samuel 12:12

    And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay, but a king shall reign over us; when Jehovah your God was your king.

  • 1 Samuel 10:1

    Then Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not that Jehovah hath anointed thee to be prince over his inheritance?

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