Devine Scripture

Acts 9:5

What does Acts 9:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 9:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 9:5 means

Saul's question, "Who art thou, Lord?" shows his immediate recognition of a powerful, authoritative voice, even though he didn't yet know its source. The astounding reply, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest," directly answers Saul's question, revealing the true identity of the one he was opposing. This revelation confirms the profound error of his zealous persecution: he was persecuting the very Messiah he claimed to serve. This moment is the intellectual and spiritual turning point for Saul, demanding a complete re-evaluation of his life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are attacking:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said, `Who art thou, Lord?' and the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute; hard for thee at the pricks to kick;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he [said], I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest.

Context

This verse provides the critical identification that clarifies the light and voice from the preceding verses. Jesus' explicit declaration of His identity to Saul is the theological climax of the encounter, establishing the new direction for Saul's life. This direct revelation sets the stage for the specific commands given to Saul and his subsequent submission to the Lord's will.

v.4and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

v.5This passage

v.6but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 45:9

    Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

  • Job 9:4

    He iswise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?—

  • Psalms 2:12

    Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:22

    Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

  • Deuteronomy 32:15

    But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: Thou art waxed fat, thou art grown thick, thou art become sleek; Then he forsook God who made him, And lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

  • Job 40:9

    Or hast thou an arm like God? And canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 9:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary