Acts 8:30
What does Acts 8:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:30 means
In immediate obedience to the Spirit's leading, Philip ran to the chariot. As he drew near, he heard the Ethiopian eunuch audibly reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip then directly engaged him with a probing question: "Understandest thou what thou readest?" This direct inquiry was both respectful and pointed, designed to open a spiritual conversation and reveal the eunuch's need for interpretation, rather than simply stating a doctrinal position.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Philip, running up to him, saw that he was reading Isaiah the prophet, and said to him, Is the sense of what you are reading clear to you?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Philip having run near, heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, `Dost thou then know what thou dost read?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Philip running thither, heard him reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Philip, running up, heard him reading the prophet Esaias, and said, Dost thou then know what thou art reading of?
Context
This verse describes Philip's prompt obedience to the Spirit's command in verse 29, showing him actively engaging with the eunuch. The question Philip poses directly addresses the eunuch's current activity (reading Isaiah, as established in verse 28), thus initiating the theological dialogue. This question sets the stage for the eunuch's humble admission of need in verse 31, creating the opportunity for Philip to share the Gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19
howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Matthew 24:15
When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand),
- Acts 8:27
And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship;
- Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.
- Ephesians 5:17
Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Matthew 13:51
Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.
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