Devine Scripture

Acts 8:34

What does Acts 8:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 8:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 8:34 means

The eunuch, genuinely perplexed by the prophetic words of Isaiah, directly asked Philip for clarification: "I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other?" This sincere question demonstrates his spiritual hunger and his recognition that the passage contained a deeper meaning that required guidance. His inquiry provided the perfect opportunity for Philip to explain the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Ethiopian said to Philip, About whom are these words said by the prophet? about himself, or some other?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the eunuch answering Philip said, `I pray thee, about whom doth the prophet say this? about himself, or about some other one?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the eunuch answering Philip, said: I beseech thee, of whom doth the prophet speak this? Of himself, or of some other man?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the eunuch answering Philip said, I pray thee, concerning whom does the prophet say this? of himself or of some other?

Context

This verse delivers the eunuch's crucial question, directly arising from his reading of the Isaiah passage provided in verses 32-33. This question is the hinge upon which the entire evangelistic encounter turns. It creates the explicit need for interpretation that Philip is about to provide, setting the stage for Philip to directly preach Jesus Christ in the following verse.

v.33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: His generation who shall declare? For his life is taken from the earth.

v.34This passage

v.35And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 15:15

    And Peter answered and said unto him, Declare unto us the parable.

  • Matthew 13:36

    Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

  • Matthew 2:2

    Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

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