Acts 22:11
What does Acts 22:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 22:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 22:11 means
Blinded by the brightness of the heavenly light, Paul must be led by the hand into Damascus. The proud persecutor becomes helpless, learning dependence. His physical blindness mirrors his prior spiritual condition; his being led foreshadows how God will now guide his steps. The detail underscores the reality of the encounter: it left tangible effects that others could see. This humbling sets the stage for receiving ministry from one of the very people he intended to harm. God often brings us low to raise us up, turning our strength into reliance on His mercy and the care of His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me I came into Damascus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me I came into Damascus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And because I was unable to see because of the glory of that light, those who were with me took me by the hand, and so I came to Damascus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And when I did not see from the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who are with me, I came to Damascus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whereas I did not see for the brightness of that light, being led by the hand by my companions, I came to Damascus,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as I could not see, through the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came to Damascus.
Context
This verse completes the immediate aftermath of the Damascus encounter and prepares for Ananias’s arrival in verses 12–13. The narrative moves from sovereign interruption (verses 6–10) to human instrumentality: God will use a devout, well-regarded Jew to restore Paul’s sight and deliver God’s commission. The flow highlights both divine initiative and communal confirmation, leading to Paul’s calling and baptism in verses 14–16.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 42:16
And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.
- Acts 9:8
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
- Acts 13:11
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
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