Acts 17:33
What does Acts 17:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:33 means
Paul leaves their midst. He has sown the seed with clarity and integrity, and he does not press beyond the opportunity given. There is a time to speak and a time to withdraw, trusting God with the results. Departure does not signify failure; it marks the close of one faithful witness and the beginning of the word’s quiet work in hearts. Some will return to hear more; others have already decided. The missionary moves on as doors open elsewhere, yet the gospel remains in Athens through those who embraced it at this first hearing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thus Paul went out from among them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So Paul departed from among them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thus Paul went out from among them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And so Paul went away from among them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and so Paul went forth from the midst of them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So Paul went out from among them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus Paul went out of their midst.
Context
This brief verse follows the mixed reactions to the resurrection message (verse 32). It indicates the formal end of the Areopagus session. The next verse (34) will balance the narrative by naming specific converts—Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris—along with others. Thus the chapter concludes with the familiar triad seen throughout: some mock, some defer, and some believe. The stage is set for the next phase of ministry in a new city, with seeds planted in Athens left to grow under God’s care.
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