Acts 21:23
What does Acts 21:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:23 means
The elders advise Paul to join four men who have a vow upon them. This is a concrete, culturally intelligible step that would speak loudly to observant Jews. By associating with these men in their purification rites, Paul would visibly affirm that he does not despise the law. The counsel is pastoral and strategic, aiming to calm fears without denying gospel truth. It calls Paul to a humble act of solidarity that could bridge misunderstandings. The plan rests on the principle that love will go the second mile to edify weaker consciences, provided that Christ’s finished work remains the ground of salvation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do this, then, which we say to you: We have four men who have taken an oath;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`This, therefore, do that we say to thee: We have four men having a vow on themselves,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Do therefore this that we say to thee. We have four men, who have a vow on them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This do therefore that we say to thee: We have four men who have a vow on them;
Context
This instruction follows the recognition that Paul’s arrival will cause a stir (verse 22) and the misrepresentations circulating about him (verse 21). Verse 24 will add that Paul should pay the men’s expenses, further signaling honor and participation. Verse 25 will carefully protect the liberty of Gentile believers, preventing any confusion about requirements for them. The stage is set for Paul’s compliance in verse 26, which moves him into the temple precincts where hostile Jews from Asia will later incite a riot.
v.22What is it therefore? they will certainly hear that thou art come.
v.23This passage
v.24these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 6:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself unto Jehovah,
- Acts 18:18
And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.
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