Devine Scripture

Acts 17:22

What does Acts 17:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 17:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 17:22 means

Standing in the midst of the Areopagus, Paul addresses “Ye men of Athens” and acknowledges that in every way they are very religious. He begins respectfully, recognizing their evident devotion rather than immediately denouncing it. This opening builds rapport and invites careful hearing. True engagement starts where people are, then guides them toward the living God. Paul will commend their impulse to worship while exposing its misdirection. His tone is neither flattery nor scorn; it is honest and hopeful. He prepares to lead them from general religiosity to specific truth about the Creator and His appointed Judge, communicating with clarity appropriate to their context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Paul got to his feet on Mars' Hill and said, O men of Athens, I see that you are overmuch given to fear of the gods.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus, said, `Men, Athenians, in all things I perceive you as over-religious;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Paul standing in the midst of Areopagus said, Athenians, in every way I see you given up to demon worship;

Context

After Luke’s aside on Athenian curiosity (verse 21), Paul begins his Areopagus address. Verse 22 is the respectful introduction that paves the way for his argument. In verse 23 he cites an altar to an “Unknown God” as a bridge to proclaim the true God. Verses 24–29 then develop theology of creation, sovereignty, and the folly of idolatry. Finally, verses 30–31 climax with God’s universal command to repent and the assurance of coming judgment through the resurrected man, which will draw out diverse responses (verses 32–34).

v.21(Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)

v.22This passage

v.23For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 17:16

    Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols.

  • Jeremiah 50:38

    A drought is upon her waters, and they shall be dried up; for it is a land of graven images, and they are mad over idols.

  • Jeremiah 10:2

    thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.

  • Acts 19:35

    And when the townclerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

  • Acts 25:19

    but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

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