Acts 8:36
What does Acts 8:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:36 means
As Philip and the eunuch continued their journey, they came upon a body of water. Recognizing what he had learned about baptism being an act of faith, the eunuch immediately asked, "Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" This demonstrates his immediate belief and desire to publicly identify with Christ through the ordinance of baptism, showing his readiness to act on the truth he had just received.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And while they were going on their way, they came to some water, and the Ethiopian said, See, here is water; why may I not have baptism?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And as they were going on the way, they came upon a certain water, and the eunuch said, `Lo, water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water. And the eunuch said: See, here is water: What doth hinder me from being baptized?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as they went along the way, they came upon a certain water, and the eunuch says, Behold water; what hinders my being baptised?
Context
This verse shows the immediate, practical outcome of Philip's preaching (verse 35) and the eunuch's reception of the Gospel. The eunuch's question about baptism indicates his eager understanding and desire for immediate obedience. This request for baptism directly precedes the act itself in verse 38, highlighting the swift and transformative power of the Gospel message and the proper response to it.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 36:25
And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
- Titus 3:5
not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
- 1 John 5:6
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood.
- Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
- John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
- John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
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