Acts 23:14
What does Acts 23:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:14 means
The conspirators approach the chief priests and elders, announcing their oath—under a great curse—not to eat until Paul is killed. This is a chilling scene: men use religious leaders and language to sanctify murder. Their appeal seeks legitimacy and practical assistance. The involvement of the leaders, even if initially as recipients of the plan, shows how opposition to the gospel has penetrated influential circles. The vow’s severity aims to compel follow-through and discourage wavering. Yet zeal attached to injustice corrupts both vow and vower. Their request will soon press the council to cooperate in a deception that masks a violent ambush as a lawful inquiry.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they came to the chief priests and the rulers and said, We have taken a great oath to take no food till we have put Paul to death
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who having come near to the chief priests and to the elders said, `With an anathema we did anathematize ourselves--to taste nothing till we have killed Paul;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who came to the chief priests and the ancients and said: We have bound ourselves under a great curse that we will eat nothing till we have slain Paul.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and they went to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have cursed ourselves with a curse to taste nothing until we kill Paul.
Context
With their number established, the conspirators now solicit the cooperation of the religious establishment. Luke focuses on the gravity of their oath and the brazenness of involving top leaders. This scene transitions directly to the specifics of the scheme in the next verse: a staged request for further examination in the council, luring Paul into an ambush. Meanwhile, Paul knows nothing of this plotting, but the story is about to turn. God’s providence will surface through an unexpected channel, exposing the conspiracy before it can be set in motion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 52:1
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endureth continually.
- Micah 7:3
Their hands are upon that which is evil to do it diligently; the prince asketh, and the judge is ready for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth the evil desire of his soul: thus they weave it together.
- Hosea 4:9
And it shall be, like people, like priest; and I will punish them for their ways, and will requite them their doings.
- Jeremiah 8:12
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah.
- Acts 23:12
And 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.
- Jeremiah 6:15
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah.
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