Acts 9:12
What does Acts 9:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:12 means
The Lord reveals to Ananias that Saul, though blind, has already seen Ananias in a vision. In this vision, Saul saw Ananias coming and laying hands on him to restore his sight. This divine foreknowledge and coordination between Ananias and Saul's experiences underscore God's sovereign control over the entire conversion process. It serves to reassure Ananias and perhaps prepare Saul, mentally and spiritually, for the man God was sending, making the upcoming encounter less surprising and more divinely orchestrated.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hands on him, so that he may be able to see.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he saw in a vision a man, by name Ananias, coming in, and putting a hand on him, that he may see again.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752(And he saw a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.)
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and has seen [in a vision] a man by name Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he should see.
Context
This verse elaborates on the divine instructions given to Ananias in verse 11, specifically revealing Saul's complementary vision. This detail is crucial for Ananias, as it validates his potentially dangerous mission and explains why Saul would be receptive to him. This shared divine foreknowledge ensures the smooth execution of God's plan and prepares for Ananias's obedient response and Saul's awaited healing.
v.11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;
v.12This passage
v.13But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 9:17
And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 9:10
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
- Mark 5:23
and beseecheth him much, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: I pray thee, that thou come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be made whole, and live.
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