Acts 17:32
What does Acts 17:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:32 means
When the crowd hears of the resurrection of the dead, reactions split. Some mock—a predictable response in a culture that either denied bodily resurrection or viewed matter as inferior. Others are intrigued and want to hear Paul again. The resurrection is the dividing line, both then and now. It confronts assumptions about death, history, and divine action. Mockery does not nullify truth; curiosity does not yet equal faith. But both responses show the message has landed. The gospel comforts none in complacency; it presses decision. God’s appointed day and risen Judge will not be set aside by scorn or delay.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now on hearing about the coming back from death, some of them made sport of it, but others said, Let us go more fully into this another time.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having heard of a rising again of the dead, some, indeed, were mocking, but others said, `We will hear thee again concerning this;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they had heard of the resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked. But others said: We will hear thee again concerning this matter.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when they heard [of the] resurrection of the dead, some mocked, and some said, We will hear thee again also concerning this.
Context
This verse reports the immediate outcome of Paul’s climactic claim in verse 31 about judgment by the resurrected man. The reactions—derision and deferment—fit Luke’s portrait of Athens as a place of curiosity (verse 21) but also skepticism. After these responses, Paul departs (verse 33), signaling the close of this formal engagement. Yet not all dismiss the message: verse 34 will name individuals who believed, reminding readers that God gathers a people even in challenging contexts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:36
and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
- 2 Chronicles 36:16
but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until the wrath of Jehovah arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
- Acts 17:31
inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
- Hebrews 3:7
Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
- Luke 23:36
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar,
- 2 Chronicles 30:9
For if ye turn again unto Jehovah, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Jehovah your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
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