Acts 21:13
What does Acts 21:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:13 means
Paul’s reply is tender and firm: their weeping breaks his heart, yet he is ready not only to be bound but to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. He centers everything on Christ’s name—His authority, honor, and cause. Paul does not seek suffering for its own sake; he embraces it if it advances the Lord’s purpose. This is not bravado but consecration. He counts his life as secondary to obedience. The verse unmasks the core of Christian courage: love for Jesus that overcomes the fear of loss. Paul will walk the road before him, trusting that the Lord governs the outcome.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Paul said, What are you doing, weeping and wounding my heart? for I am ready, not only to be a prisoner, but to be put to death at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Paul answered, `What do ye--weeping, and crushing mine heart? for I, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, am ready, for the name of the Lord Jesus;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Paul answered and said: What do you mean, weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but to die also in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Context
Paul’s confession in verse 13 answers the pleas of verse 12 and interprets Agabus’s prophecy (verse 11) not as a prohibition but as preparation. The group’s response in verse 14—submitting to the Lord’s will—confirms that Paul’s reasoning prevails. From there, verses 15–16 record the practical arrangements to go up to Jerusalem, showing that conviction turns into action. This moment is pivotal: the narrative shifts from warning to willing obedience, setting the stage for events in the temple.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 1:20
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
- 1 Corinthians 15:31
I protest by that glorying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
- 2 Timothy 2:4
No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
- 2 Peter 1:14
knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle cometh swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ signified unto me.
- Acts 9:16
for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
- Acts 5:41
They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
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