Acts 19:20
What does Acts 19:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:20 means
“So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed.” Luke summarizes the Ephesian revival: God’s word proves stronger than entrenched superstition, economic interests, and demonic influence. The emphasis is on the word’s inherent power—God’s message about Jesus advances and wins. The victories of healing, deliverance, confession, and costly repentance are fruit of the word taking root. This concise statement gathers the chapter’s first half into one banner outcome: Christ’s lordship is expanding. The word not only spreads; it overcomes. In a city boasting a great temple and celebrated magic, the true God asserts His supremacy through the preached gospel and transformed lives.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So the word of the Lord was increased very greatly and was full of power.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so powerfully was the word of God increasing and prevailing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So mightily grew the word of God and was confirmed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus with might the word of the Lord increased and prevailed.
Context
This summary concludes the section recounting miracles, the exposure of false exorcists, and mass repentance. Having established the gospel’s ascendant power, Luke pivots to Paul’s strategic planning and to the coming storm of opposition. The next verses outline Paul’s intention to go to Jerusalem and then to Rome, followed by the eruption of a riot instigated by Demetrius. The transition shifts from spiritual renewal to public backlash.
v.19And not a few of them that practised magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
v.20This passage
v.21Now after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
- Acts 12:24
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
- Isaiah 55:11
so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;
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