CINXE.COM

<!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 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/23-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/44_Act_23_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 23:14 - The Plot to Kill Paul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They went to the chief priests and elders and said, We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/23-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/23-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/23-13.htm" title="Acts 23:13">◄</a> Acts 23:14 <a href="/acts/23-15.htm" title="Acts 23:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/23.htm">New International Version</a> They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, &#8220We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nlt/acts/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/esv/acts/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. <a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> who, having come to the chief priests and the elders, said, "We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we should kill Paul. <a href="/kjv/acts/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. <a href="/nkjv/acts/23.htm">New King James Version</a> They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nasb_/acts/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have put ourselves under an oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nasb/acts/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, &#8220We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nasb77/acts/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/lsb/acts/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a curse to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/amp/acts/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath not to taste anything [neither food nor drink] until we have killed Paul. <a href="/csb/acts/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> These men went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse that we won’t eat anything until we have killed Paul. <a href="/hcsb/acts/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> These men went to the chief priests and elders and said, &#8220We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse that we won&#8217t eat anything until we have killed Paul. <a href="/asv/acts/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/cev/acts/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then some of them went to the chief priests and the nation's leaders and said, "We have promised God that we would not eat a thing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/erv/acts/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/gwt/acts/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They went to the chief priests and leaders [of the people] and said, "We've asked God to curse us if we taste any food before we've killed Paul. <a href="/gnt/acts/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then they went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn vow together not to eat a thing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/isv/acts/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> They went to the high priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to taste any food before we have killed Paul. <a href="/net/acts/23.htm">NET Bible</a> They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, "We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to partake of anything until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nheb/acts/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/wbt/acts/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> They went to the High Priests and Elders and said to them, "We have bound ourselves under a heavy curse to take no food till we have killed Paul.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/acts/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. <a href="/web/acts/23.htm">World English Bible</a> They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> who having come near to the chief priests and to the elders said, “With a curse we accursed ourselves—to taste nothing until we have killed Paul; <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> who, having come to the chief priests and the elders, said, "We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we should kill Paul. <a href="/ylt/acts/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> who having come near to the chief priests and to the elders said, 'With an anathema we did anathematize ourselves -- to taste nothing till we have killed Paul; <a href="/slt/acts/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Who having come to the chief priests and elders, said, By an anathema, we anathematized ourselves, to taste of nothing till we kill Paul.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who came to the chief priests and the ancients, and said: We have bound ourselves under a great curse that we will eat nothing till we have slain Paul. <a href="/cpdv/acts/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they approached the leaders of the priests, and the elders, and they said: “We have sworn ourselves by an oath, so that we will taste nothing, until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nabre/acts/23.htm">New American Bible</a> They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves by a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we have killed Paul.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they went to the priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under an oath, not to taste anything till we have killed Paul. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they came to The Priests and to the Elders and were saying, “We have put a curse upon ourselves that we shall not taste anything until we shall kill Paulus.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they went to the chief priests and elders, and said: We have surely bound ourselves under a curse, that we will taste nothing till we have killed Paul. <a href="/godbey/acts/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> who, having come to the chief priests and elders, said, We have anathematized ourselves with an anathema, to taste nothing until we may kill Paul. <a href="/haweis/acts/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> So they came to the high-priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves by the direst imprecation, to taste nothing till we have killed Paul. <a href="/mace/acts/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> went to the chief priests and senators, and said, "we have bound our selves by oath not to eat till we have slain Paul. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> They went to the High Priests and Elders and said to them, "We have bound ourselves under a heavy curse to take no food till we have killed Paul. <a href="/worrell/acts/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> who, indeed, going to the high priests and elders, said, "We bound ourselves under a curse to taste of nothing until we kill Paul. <a href="/worsley/acts/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> who came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves by a curse to eat nothing till we have killed Paul. <a href="/parallel/acts/23-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7793" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">The Plot to Kill Paul</a> …13More than forty of them were involved in this plot. 14<a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hoitines (RelPro-NMP) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">They</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthontes (V-APA-NMP) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">went</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/749.htm" title="749: archiereusin (N-DMP) -- High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.">chief priests</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyterois (Adj-DMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elders</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and said,</a> <a href="/greek/332.htm" title="332: anethematisamen (V-AIA-1P) -- To curse, invoke curses, devote to destruction. From anathema; to declare or vow under penalty of execration.">“We have bound</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">ourselves</a> <a href="/greek/331.htm" title="331: Anathemati (N-DNS) -- A votive offering, a thing devoted to God; a curse, the thing cursed. From anatithemai; a ban or excommunicated.">with a solemn oath</a> <a href="/greek/1089.htm" title="1089: geusasthai (V-ANM) -- (a) I taste, (b) I experience. A primary verb; to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience.">not to eat</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēdenos (Adj-GNS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">anything</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">until</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hou (RelPro-GMS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/615.htm" title="615: apokteinōmen (V-ASA-1P) -- To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.">we have killed</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulon (N-AMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul.</a> 15Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1-2</a> When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. / They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor. <a href="/mark/14-1.htm">Mark 14:1</a> Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. <a href="/luke/22-2.htm">Luke 22:2</a> and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. <a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a> So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. <a href="/john/18-3.htm">John 18:3</a> So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Acts 9:23</a> After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Acts 25:3</a> to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. <a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a> For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">2 Corinthians 11:26</a> In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13-14</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18-20</a> Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a> Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, <a href="/1_kings/21-9.htm">1 Kings 21:9-10</a> In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Esther 3:6</a> And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-3</a> Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.<a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Psalm 52:1,2</a> To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually… <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Isaiah 3:9</a> The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.<a href="/jeremiah/6-15.htm">Jeremiah 6:15</a> Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/1-9.htm">Anathema</a> <a href="/acts/23-13.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/acts/23-10.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Food</a> <a href="/acts/23-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/9-32.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/acts/23-5.htm">High</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/acts/23-13.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/acts/21-18.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/acts/13-28.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Strictly</a> <a href="/john/8-52.htm">Taste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Anathema</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/acts/23-15.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/acts/23-29.htm">Death</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/acts/24-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/27-10.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">High</a> <a href="/acts/23-15.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/acts/27-10.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/acts/23-16.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/25-2.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Solemn</a> <a href="/exodus/13-19.htm">Strictly</a> <a href="/colossians/2-21.htm">Taste</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 23</div>1. <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">As Paul pleads his cause,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Ananias commands them to strike him.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Dissension among his accusers.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">God encourages him.</a> 14. <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">The Jews' vow to kill Paul,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">is declared unto the chief captain.</a> 27. <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">He sends him to Felix the governor.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>They went to the chief priests and elders This phrase indicates the involvement of the Jewish religious leadership in the plot against Paul. The chief priests and elders were part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council in Jerusalem. Historically, the Sanhedrin held significant religious and political power, and their involvement suggests the seriousness of the conspiracy. This reflects the tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities, as seen throughout Acts. The Sanhedrin had previously condemned Jesus (<a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59</a>) and had been involved in the persecution of the apostles (<a href="/acts/4.htm">Acts 4:1-3</a>).and said, The conspirators directly approached the religious leaders, indicating a level of confidence and shared interest in their plot. This approach suggests that they believed the leaders would be sympathetic to their cause, highlighting the deep-seated opposition to Paul’s ministry. This mirrors the earlier opposition faced by Jesus, where religious leaders conspired against Him (<a href="/mark/3-6.htm">Mark 3:6</a>).“We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath The phrase "solemn oath" refers to a vow that was considered binding and sacred. In Jewish culture, oaths were taken very seriously, often invoking God's name as a witness (<a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>). Breaking such an oath was seen as a grave sin. This reflects the intensity of their commitment to stopping Paul, who they saw as a threat to their religious traditions and authority.not to eat anything Fasting was a common practice in Jewish culture, often associated with prayer and seeking God's favor (<a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21</a>). However, in this context, the fast is used as a means to demonstrate the seriousness of their vow. This misuse of a religious practice for violent ends highlights the moral and spiritual corruption of the conspirators.until we have killed Paul. The intent to kill Paul underscores the extreme measures his opponents were willing to take to silence him. Paul, a former Pharisee, had become a prominent figure in spreading Christianity, which was seen as a threat to Jewish religious authority. This echoes the earlier attempts on Paul's life (<a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Acts 9:23-24</a>) and the persecution faced by early Christians. The plot against Paul can be seen as part of the broader spiritual battle depicted in the New Testament, where the forces of darkness oppose the spread of the Gospel (<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_conspirators.htm">The Conspirators</a> A group of more than forty Jews who formed a plot to kill Paul. They were zealous and willing to go to extreme lengths, even taking a vow of fasting until they accomplished their mission. 2. <a href="/topical/c/chief_priests_and_elders.htm">Chief Priests and Elders</a> Religious leaders in Jerusalem who were approached by the conspirators. Their involvement highlights the tension between the early Christian movement and Jewish authorities. 3. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who was the target of the assassination plot. His ministry and message were seen as a threat to traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events took place, a central location for Jewish religious life and a significant place in early Christian history. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_oath.htm">The Oath</a> A solemn vow taken by the conspirators, indicating the seriousness of their intent. The Greek word used here, (anathema), implies a curse or a devoted thing, showing the depth of their commitment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/z/zeal_without_knowledge.htm">Zeal Without Knowledge</a> The conspirators' zeal was misguided. As believers, we must ensure our zeal aligns with God's truth and purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Paul faced constant threats and opposition. Following Christ may lead to persecution, but we are called to remain faithful. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite human plots, God's plans prevail. Trust in His sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> In the face of opposition, prayer is a powerful tool. Seek God's guidance and protection in challenging times. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a> The involvement of religious leaders in the plot against Paul serves as a warning. Leaders must act with integrity and align with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 23</a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_purpose_of_the_sanhedrin.htm">What was the purpose of the Sanhedrin?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_day_14_teach_in_journey.htm">What events transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_gospel_trial_accounts_contradict_law.htm">Why do the Gospel accounts of Jesus' trial contradict Jewish and Roman legal procedures?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_40-man_plot_to_kill_paul.htm">Acts 23:12–15 – Is there concrete historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of this conspiracy of more than forty men to kill Paul? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) They came to the chief priests and elders.--It will be remembered that the high priest Ananias had already shown the rough brutality of his nature in his treatment of St. Paul, and was now, we can scarcely doubt, impelled by the spirit of revenge. It lies on the surface that those to whom the conspirators went were the Sadducean party in the Council, not the more moderate and cautious Pharisees.We have bound ourselves under a great curse.--The Greek follows the Hebrew idiom in expressing intensity by the reduplication of the leading word. laterally, We have anathematised ourselves with an anathema.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - The elders for elders, A.V.; to taste for that we will eat, A.V.; killed for slain, A.V. The chief priests, etc. Meaning, no doubt, those who were of the party of the Sadducees, to which the chief priests mainly belonged at this time. A great curse. There is nothing in the phraseology of this verse, as compared with that of ver. 12, to warrant the introduction of the word "great." It is simply, "We have anathematized ourselves with an anathema." <a href="/commentaries/acts/23-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>They οἵτινες (hoitines) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. went προσελθόντες (proselthontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. chief priests ἀρχιερεῦσιν (archiereusin) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. elders πρεσβυτέροις (presbyterois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. [and] said, εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “We have bound ἀνεθεματίσαμεν (anethematisamen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_332.htm">Strong's 332: </a> To curse, invoke curses, devote to destruction. From anathema; to declare or vow under penalty of execration. ourselves ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. with a solemn oath Ἀναθέματι (Anathemati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_331.htm">Strong's 331: </a> A votive offering, a thing devoted to God; a curse, the thing cursed. From anatithemai; a ban or excommunicated. [not] to eat γεύσασθαι (geusasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_1089.htm">Strong's 1089: </a> (a) I taste, (b) I experience. A primary verb; to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience. [anything] μηδενὸς (mēdenos) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> No one, none, nothing. until ἕως (heōs) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. we have killed ἀποκτείνωμεν (apokteinōmen) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy. Paul. Παῦλον (Paulon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 23:14 They came to the chief priests (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/23-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 23:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 23:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/23-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 23:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 23:15" /></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>