Acts 16:34
What does Acts 16:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:34 means
He brings them into his house, sets food before them, and rejoices greatly with his whole family, having believed in God. Hospitality replaces hostility; celebration follows salvation. Joy is the natural fruit of trusting the Lord. The meal symbolizes fellowship now shared in Christ, knitting together former adversaries. “Having believed in God” summarizes the household’s response—faith unites them to the Lord and to His people. God has turned a night of terror into a feast of grace. The once-anxious jailor is now a joyful brother, his home a sanctuary. The gospel not only rescues individuals; it transforms households and heals community wounds.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his house, having believed in God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his house, having believed in God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he took them into his house and gave them food, and he was full of joy, having faith in God with all his family.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having brought them also into his house, he set food before <FI>them<Fi> , and was glad with all the household, he having believed in God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when he had brought them into his own house, he laid the table for them: and rejoiced with all his house, believing God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having brought them into his house he laid the table [for them], and rejoiced with all his house, having believed inGod.
Context
This verse concludes the jailor’s conversion story that began with the earthquake (verse 26) and his desperate question (verse 30). With faith, baptism, and joy established, the scene will shift at daybreak to the magistrates’ decision to release Paul and Silas in verse 35. That decision sets up Paul’s insistence on proper public acknowledgment of their rights in verses 36–39.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- James 2:14
What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?
- Philemon 1:7
For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.
- Acts 8:39
And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing.
- Isaiah 57:17
For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid my face and was wroth; and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
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