Acts 8:32
What does Acts 8:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:32 means
The specific passage of Isaiah the eunuch was reading was from Isaiah 53:7-8, which prophetically describes a suffering servant led silently to slaughter like a sheep or a lamb before its shearer. The imagery emphasizes meekness and submission in the face of injustice and suffering, portraying a figure who offers no defense. This particular text is central to understanding the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth:
KJV
King James Version · 1611The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now the place in the book where he was reading was this: He was taken, like a sheep, to be put to death; and as a lamb is quiet when its wool is being cut, so he made no sound:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the contents of the Writing that he was reading was this: `As a sheep unto slaughter he was led, and as a lamb before his shearer dumb, so he doth not open his mouth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the place of the scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter: and like a lamb without voice before his shearer, so openeth he not his mouth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the passage of the scripture which he read was this: He was led as a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb is dumb in presence of him that shears him, thus he opens not his mouth.
Context
This verse directly quotes the specific passage that the Ethiopian eunuch was reading, providing the textual foundation for the ensuing Gospel explanation. It immediately follows the eunuch's invitation for Philip to guide him (verse 31). This scriptural context is absolutely essential for understanding Philip's subsequent evangelistic message, as it clearly points forward to Jesus Christ, as will be revealed in verse 35.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 44:11
Thou hast made us like sheep appointed for food, And hast scattered us among the nations.
- Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
- Romans 8:36
Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
- John 18:9
that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one.
- Jeremiah 12:3
But thou, O Jehovah, knowest me; thou seest me, and triest my heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
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