Acts 21:37
What does Acts 21:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:37 means
As Paul is about to enter the castle, he politely asks the chief captain for permission to speak. The officer is surprised—“Dost thou know Greek?”—indicating that Paul’s cultured speech and demeanor overturn his assumptions. Even in chains, Paul shows poise and respect, traits that gain him a hearing. He understands the value of language and civility in testimony. This brief exchange signals that Paul is not the rabble-rouser the commander expected. Providence gives Paul favor with authority, not to escape witness, but to enable it. The gospel’s servant uses every lawful means to open a door for the word.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Paul was about to be taken into the building, he said to the chief captain, May I say something to you? And he said, Have you a knowledge of Greek?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Paul being about to be led into the castle, saith to the chief captain, `Is it permitted to me to say anything unto thee?' and he said, `Greek dost thou know?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith to the tribune: May I speak something to thee? Who said: Canst thou speak Greek?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But as he was about to be led into the fortress, Paul says to the chiliarch, Is it allowed me to say something to thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?
Context
This request follows the intense scene of verses 34–36 and introduces a calmer, strategic interaction. Verse 38 reveals the commander’s mistaken identity for Paul, connecting to a recent insurrection. Verse 39 allows Paul to clarify who he is and to petition for a chance to speak to the crowd. This exchange sets up verse 40, where permission is granted and Paul addresses the people in the Hebrew language, preparing for the defense in chapter 22.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 21:19
And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.
- Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
- Matthew 10:18
yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
- Acts 21:34
And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the castle.
- Acts 19:30
And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 21.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…