Devine Scripture

Acts 23:13

What does Acts 23:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 23:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 23:13 means

Luke notes there were more than forty men in the conspiracy. The number emphasizes seriousness, coordination, and determination. This is not a lone fanatic but an organized band, convinced their cause is righteous. The sheer size magnifies the danger to Paul and the urgency of intervention. It also highlights the growing desperation of those who cannot prevail by lawful means. A crowd formed to kill an untried man betrays the breakdown of justice. Yet even a large conspiracy is small before the God who rules circumstances and hearts. The next steps will show that no oath or multitude can thwart His appointed plan for His servant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they were more than forty that made this conspiracy.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they were more than forty that made this conspiracy.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And more than forty of them took this oath.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they were more than forty who made this conspiracy by oath,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they were more than forty men that had made this conspiracy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they were more than forty who had joined together in this oath;

Context

After introducing the oath-bound conspirators, Luke quantifies the plot to impress on readers the gravity of the threat. The momentum builds toward their engagement with the religious authorities, seeking institutional cover for their ambush. Paul remains unaware at this point, but the situation is about to change. Luke’s pacing prepares readers to appreciate the dramatic reversal: a hidden plot, wide in numbers, will be uncovered through an unexpected family connection, and Roman power will be mobilized to shield Paul and move him toward the destination the Lord already promised.

v.12And when it was day, the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

v.13This passage

v.14And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Samuel 15:31

    And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

  • 2 Samuel 15:12

    And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

  • John 16:2

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you shall think that he offereth service unto God.

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