Acts 23:20
What does Acts 23:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:20 means
The young man reports that the Jews plan to request Paul’s presence before the council the next day, under the guise of seeking a more exact inquiry. The scheme’s deception is laid bare. The conspirators intend to use lawful process to facilitate an unlawful killing. The report shows that the plot is coordinated and imminent. It vindicates Paul’s prudence in bringing the matter to the commander and prepares the way for swift action. The commander now has specific knowledge of the time, method, and pretext, equipping him to undermine the plan effectively and to ensure that justice, not trickery, directs the proceedings.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul to-morrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul to-morrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said, The Jews are in agreement together to make a request to you for Paul to be taken, on the day after this, into the Sanhedrin, to be questioned in greater detail.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he said--`The Jews agreed to request thee, that to-morrow to the sanhedrim thou mayest bring down Paul, as being about to enquire something more exactly concerning him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said: The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldst bring forth Paul to-morrow into the council, as if they meant to inquire some thing more certain touching him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he said, The Jews have agreed together to make a request to thee, that thou mayest bring Paul down to-morrow into the council, as about to inquire something more precise concerning him.
Context
The youth’s disclosure summarizes the heart of the conspiracy: a feigned request for further examination designed to set an ambush. With facts in hand, the commander will be able to assess the credibility of the threat and to consider preventive measures. The next verse adds crucial details—the number of conspirators and the seriousness of their vow—pressing the urgency of the situation. This information sets up the commander’s resolve to move Paul by night with a formidable escort to Cæsarea and the jurisdiction of the governor Felix.
v.19And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is it that thou hast to tell me?
v.20This passage
v.21Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:14
And 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.
- Acts 23:1
And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.
- Daniel 6:5
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
- Psalms 12:2
They speak falsehood every one with his neighbor: With flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 23
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 23.
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…