Acts 17:23
What does Acts 17:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:23 means
Paul connects observation to proclamation. He has examined their objects of worship and found an altar inscribed, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” He uses their confession of ignorance as an entry point: the God they do not know, he now declares. This shows sensitivity and courage. He neither endorses their idols nor dismisses their search; he redirects it to the true and living God. The gospel answers sincere but misdirected worship with revelation. Ignorance once admitted can become the doorway to knowledge. Paul will now unfold who this God is—Creator, Lord, Giver of life, Sovereign over nations, near to all—before calling them to repentance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For when I came by, I was looking at the things to which you give worship, and I saw an altar with this writing on it, TO THE GOD OF WHOM THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE. Now, what you, without knowledge, give worship to, I make clear to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for passing through and contemplating your objects of worship, I found also an erection on which had been inscribed: To God--unknown; whom, therefore--not knowing--ye do worship, this One I announce to you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For passing by and seeing your idols, I found an altar also, on which was written: To the Unknown God. What therefore you worship without knowing it, that I preach to you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for, passing through and beholding your shrines, I found also an altar on which was inscribed, To the unknownGod. Whom therefore ye reverence, not knowing [him], him I announce to you.
Context
This verse provides the sermon’s bridge, moving from acknowledgment of religiosity (verse 22) to the revelation of the true God. The altar inscription offers a culturally specific point of contact. From here (verses 24–29) Paul articulates the nature of God and humanity’s relationship to Him, rejecting the idea that deity resides in man-made temples or images. That theological groundwork leads to a pressing application in verses 30–31: God now commands all to repent because He has appointed a day of judgment and given assurance by raising Jesus from the dead.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 4:22
Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:4
he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God.
- 1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
- 1 Corinthians 8:5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;
- 1 Timothy 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- John 17:25
O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me;
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