Acts 16:29
What does Acts 16:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:29 means
Calling for lights, the jailor rushes in and, trembling, falls before Paul and Silas. Fear has given way to reverent awe. He recognizes that a power greater than Rome is at work. The posture of falling down signals humility and readiness to listen. Those who once appeared as dangerous prisoners now stand as bearers of the help he needs. The Lord has brought him from hard duty to soft heart, from command to submission. God’s mercy, mediated through Paul’s restraint, breaks him open for the word of life. Crisis has become doorway; trembling will soon turn to joy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he sent for lights and came rushing in and, shaking with fear, went down on his face before Paul and Silas,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And, having asked for a light, he sprang in, and trembling he fell down before Paul and Silas,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then calling for a light, he went in: and trembling, fell down at the feet of Paul and Silas.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having asked for lights, he rushed in, and, trembling, fell down before Paul and Silas.
Context
This verse follows Paul’s life-saving shout in verse 28. The jailor’s change in demeanor—fearful respect replacing dominance—sets the stage for the pivotal question in verse 30: “What must I do to be saved?” The narrative is moving from physical crisis to spiritual inquiry. Verses 31–32 will present the gospel clearly, and verses 33–34 will show immediate fruits in baptism, compassion, and rejoicing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 5:22
Fear ye not me? saith Jehovah: will ye not tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it? and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it.
- Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of Jehovah, ye that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hate you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they that shall be put to shame.
- Isaiah 60:14
And the sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee The city of Jehovah, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
- Psalms 119:120
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. ע AYIN.
- Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
- Daniel 6:26
I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, And his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
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