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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 22:9 My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/22-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/44_Act_22_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 22:9 - Paul's Defense to the Crowd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the One who was speaking to me.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they that were with me beheld indeed the light, but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Those who were traveling with me saw the light, but did not hear the voice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they that were with me beheld indeed the light, but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"The men who were with me saw the light but didn't understand what the person who was speaking to me said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The men with me saw the light, but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The men who were with me saw the light but didn't understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My companions saw the light and were terrified, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Those who were with me indeed saw the light, and were afraid, but they did not understand the voice of him who spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Now the men who were with me, though they saw the light, did not hear the words of Him who spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn’t understand the voice of him who spoke to me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they who are with me saw the light, and became afraid, and they did not hear the voice of Him who is speaking to me—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And those being with me indeed beheld the light, but they did not hear the voice of the <i>One</i> speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they who are with me the light did see, and became afraid, and the voice they heard not of him who is speaking to me -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they being with me truly saw the light, and were terrified; but they heard not the voice of him speaking to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they that were with me, saw indeed the light, but they heard not the voice of him that spoke with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And those who were with me, indeed, saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of him who was speaking with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the men who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice that spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/22.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And the men who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice which was speaking to me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/22.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />They who were with me saw the light, and were afraid, but did not understand the voice of him who spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/22.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And those being along with me saw the light indeed, but heard not the voice of the one speaking to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/22.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Now they who were with me saw the light indeed, and were terrified; but the voice of him that spake to me heard they not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/22.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the company actually saw the light, but did not hear the voice of him that spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Now the men who were with me, though they saw the light, did not hear the words of Him who spoke to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/22.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/22.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And they that were with me saw the light indeed, and were affrighted; but they did not hear the voice of Him that spake to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/22-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7425" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/22.htm">Paul's Defense to the Crowd</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">My companions</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/4862.htm" title="4862: syn (Prep) -- With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emoi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/2300.htm" title="2300: etheasanto (V-AIM-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.">saw</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-ANS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">light,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousan (V-AIA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">they could not understand</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">voice</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the One</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalountos (V-PPA-GMS) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speaking</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to me.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up and go into Damascus,’ He told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Acts 9:7</a></span><br />The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a></span><br />We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-29.htm">John 12:29</a></span><br />The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7</a></span><br />Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a></span><br />Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-37.htm">John 5:37</a></span><br />And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4-5</a></span><br />When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. / But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-6.htm">Matthew 17:6-7</a></span><br />When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. / Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18-19</a></span><br />When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance. / “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-4.htm">1 Samuel 3:4-10</a></span><br />Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” / He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. / Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8-10</a></span><br />Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. / But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?” / “I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8-9</a></span><br />Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” / And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a></span><br />The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a></span><br />This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-43.htm">John 8:43</a></span><br />Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me.</p><p class="hdg">saw.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Acts 9:7</a></b></br> And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7</a></b></br> And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-29.htm">John 12:29,30</a></b></br> The people therefore, that stood by, and heard <i>it</i>, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/acts/21-8.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/acts/19-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Light</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/21-22.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/acts/21-26.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/acts/21-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-29.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/acts/22-15.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/22-15.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/23-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Light</a> <a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/27-13.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/acts/22-19.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">and called to his apostleship.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-22.htm">At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-24.htm">He would have been scourged;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-25.htm">but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My companions saw the light</b><br>This phrase indicates that Paul's companions were witnesses to the supernatural event on the road to Damascus. The "light" is often interpreted as the glory of God, similar to the Shekinah glory seen in the Old Testament (<a href="/exodus/24-17.htm">Exodus 24:17</a>). This light is a manifestation of divine presence, aligning with other biblical accounts where God's presence is accompanied by light (e.g., <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2</a> during the Transfiguration). The fact that the companions saw the light but did not understand the voice suggests a selective revelation, emphasizing Paul's unique calling and experience.<p><b>but they could not understand the voice</b><br>The inability of Paul's companions to understand the voice highlights the personal nature of God's call to Paul. This mirrors other biblical instances where God speaks directly to individuals, such as Moses at the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Exodus 3:4</a>) or Samuel in the temple (<a href="/1_samuel/3-4.htm">1 Samuel 3:4-10</a>). The Greek term used here can mean "to hear" or "to understand," suggesting that while they heard a sound, the message was not comprehensible to them. This selective hearing underscores the specific and personal nature of divine revelation.<p><b>of the One speaking to me</b><br>The "One" refers to Jesus Christ, who is identified as the speaker in <a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5</a>. This encounter is pivotal in Paul's conversion and mission as an apostle to the Gentiles. It fulfills the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6</a>, where God promises to make His servant a light to the nations. The personal address from Jesus to Paul signifies a direct commissioning, similar to the calling of prophets in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8-9</a>) and Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/1-4.htm">Jeremiah 1:4-5</a>). This encounter marks a transformative moment in Paul's life, setting the stage for his future ministry and the spread of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul)</a></b><br>The apostle recounting his conversion experience on the road to Damascus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/companions_of_paul.htm">Companions of Paul</a></b><br>The men traveling with Paul who witnessed the light but did not understand the voice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_light.htm">The Light</a></b><br>A divine manifestation of Jesus Christ, appearing to Paul during his conversion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_voice.htm">The Voice</a></b><br>The voice of Jesus Christ speaking directly to Paul, calling him to a new mission.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a></b><br>The destination of Paul’s journey, where he intended to persecute Christians before his conversion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/selective_revelation.htm">Selective Revelation</a></b><br>God sometimes reveals Himself selectively, as seen in the companions' inability to understand the voice. This reminds us that spiritual understanding is a gift from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_encounter.htm">Divine Encounter</a></b><br>Paul's experience emphasizes the transformative power of a personal encounter with Christ. Believers should seek and be open to such encounters in their own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_perception.htm">Spiritual Perception</a></b><br>The companions' experience illustrates the difference between physical sight and spiritual insight. We should pray for spiritual discernment to understand God's voice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God’s Sovereignty</a></b><br>The event underscores God's sovereign choice in calling individuals for His purposes. We should trust in His plans and timing for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witnessing_to_others.htm">Witnessing to Others</a></b><br>Even when others do not understand or perceive God's work, like Paul's companions, we are called to be faithful witnesses of our experiences with Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/acts_9_7_vs._22_9__voice_heard_or_not.htm">Acts 9:7 vs. 22:9: Why does one passage say companions heard a voice while the other claims they did not? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_acts_22_9_and_9_7_differ.htm">Acts 22:9 – Why does this account differ from Acts 9:7 regarding what Paul’s companions heard and saw? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_paul's_encounter_in_acts_26_14-15_real.htm">Is Paul’s reported encounter and voice from heaven in Acts 26:14–15 verifiable, or merely subjective experience? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_paul's_conversion_story_differ.htm">Why does Paul’s account of his own conversion in Acts contradict his letters?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">They heard not the voice . . .</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> they did not hear it as a voice uttering articulate words. It was for them as though it thundered. (See Notes on <a href="/acts/9-7.htm" title="And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.">Acts 9:7</a>, and <a href="/john/12-29.htm" title="The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him.">John 12:29</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> <span class="accented">- Beheld</span> for <span class="accented">saw</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Beheld indeed the light [and were afraid</span>, A.V.]. This corresponds with the statement in <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Acts 9:7</a>, that the men who journeyed with Saul "stood speechless." They were dazzled and amazed at the sudden brightness. <span class="cmt_word">But they heard not the voice</span>. This at first sight seems inconsistent with the statement in <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Acts 9:7</a>, "hearing the voice." But the apparent inconsistency disappears when we observe that here St. Paul wished to impress upon his hearers that, though his companions had seen the light, they had not heard the words which were addressed to him by the Lord Jesus (see ver. 14); whereas St. Luke, in the narrative in <a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9</a>, wished rather to insist upon the fact that though the men had seen the light and heard the sound of the voice, they had not seen Jesus. To see and hear the risen Christ was a privilege given to St. Paul alone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/22-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">My companions</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐθεάσαντο</span> <span class="translit">(etheasanto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">light,</span><br /><span class="grk">φῶς</span> <span class="translit">(phōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> </span><span class="str2">Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they could not understand</span><br /><span class="grk">ἤκουσαν</span> <span class="translit">(ēkousan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">voice</span><br /><span class="grk">φωνὴν</span> <span class="translit">(phōnēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the [One]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaking</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλοῦντός</span> <span class="translit">(lalountos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me.</span><br /><span class="grk">μοι</span> <span class="translit">(moi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/22-9.htm">Acts 22:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/22-9.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 22:9 Those who were with me indeed saw (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/22-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 22:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 22:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/22-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 22:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 22:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>