Acts 20:34
What does Acts 20:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:34 means
Paul reminds them that his own hands supplied his needs and those of his companions. He labored—likely in tentmaking—so as not to burden the church. This was not a denial that ministers may receive support, but a strategic choice to commend the gospel in that context. His self-support served others materially and morally, modeling diligence, responsibility, and love. Leaders who can say, “you yourselves know,” invite verification of their integrity. The verse underscores that credible ministry often involves quiet sacrifice and practical service that strengthens both the message and the community.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You yourselves have seen that with these hands I got what was necessary for me and those who were with me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye yourselves know that to my necessities, and to those who were with me, minister did these hands;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You yourselves know. For such things as were needful for me and them that are with me, these hands have furnished.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my wants, and to those who were with me.
Context
Continuing his example, Paul moves from what he did not seek (verse 33) to what he positively did—work with his hands. This grounds his final exhortation in verse 35 about helping the weak and the blessedness of giving. The triad of integrity, labor, and generosity closes his speech’s ethical component before he prays with the elders and departs (verses 36–38). These elements together form a compelling pattern for those who will shepherd in his absence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 18:3
and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8
neither did we eat bread for nought at any man’s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:
- Acts 19:22
And having sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9
For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
- 1 Corinthians 4:12
and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
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