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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/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 9</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="/ad1.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/21-8.htm" title="Acts 21:8">◄</a> Acts 21:9 <a href="/acts/21-10.htm" title="Acts 21:10">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And with this <i>man</i> there were four daughters, virgins prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He had four virgin daughters who had the gift of prophecy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and he had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now this man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Philip had four unmarried daughters who had the ability to speak what God had revealed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who proclaimed God's message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who could prophesy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the same man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and this one had four daughters, virgins, prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And with this <i>man</i> there were four daughters, virgins prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and this one had four daughters, virgins, prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to him were four daughters, virgins, prophesying.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he had four daughters, virgins, who did prophesy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now this man had four daughters, virgins, who were prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He had four virgin daughters gifted with prophecy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And he had four virgin daughters who did prophesy.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />This man had four virgin daughters, who had the gift of prophesy.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And there were to him four virgin daughters, prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Now this man had four maiden daughters endued with the gift of prophecy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he was one of the seven deacons, and had four daughters all virgins, prophetesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And this man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And he had four daughters virgins, <i>that were</i> prophetesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/21-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7013" 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/21.htm">Paul Visits Philip the Evangelist</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8</span>Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven. <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/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">He</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">had</a> <a href="/greek/5064.htm" title="5064: tessares (Adj-NFP) -- Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.">four</a> <a href="/greek/3933.htm" title="3933: parthenoi (N-NFP) -- Of unknown origin; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter.">unmarried</a> <a href="/greek/2364.htm" title="2364: thygateres (N-NFP) -- Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.">daughters</a> <a href="/greek/4395.htm" title="4395: prophēteuousai (V-PPA-NFP) -- From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.">who prophesied.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.…<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="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28</a></span><br />And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-5.htm">1 Corinthians 11:5</a></span><br />And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17</a></span><br />‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Luke 2:36</a></span><br />There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10</a></span><br />to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1</a></span><br />Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">1 Corinthians 14:39</a></span><br />So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-12.htm">1 Timothy 2:12</a></span><br />I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/4-4.htm">Judges 4:4</a></span><br />Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/22-14.htm">2 Kings 22:14</a></span><br />So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a></span><br />Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-4.htm">Micah 6:4</a></span><br />For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses before you, as well as Aaron and Miriam.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/34-22.htm">2 Chronicles 34:22</a></span><br />So Hilkiah and those the king had designated went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-3.htm">Isaiah 8:3</a></span><br />And I had relations with the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. The LORD said to me, “Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Numbers 12:6</a></span><br />He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.</p><p class="hdg">virgins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">1 Corinthians 7:25-34,38</a></b></br> Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful… </p><p class="hdg">which.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a></b></br> And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/4-4.htm">Judges 4:4</a></b></br> And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/acts/13-20.htm">Four</a> <a href="/acts/21-8.htm">Philip</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Prophesying</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-25.htm">Unmarried</a> <a href="/luke/1-34.htm">Virgin</a> <a href="/matthew/25-11.htm">Virgins</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/6-18.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/acts/21-23.htm">Four</a> <a href="/matthew/10-3.htm">Philip</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Prophesy</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Prophesying</a> <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-8.htm">Unmarried</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Virgin</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Virgins</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-13.htm">he will not be dissuaded from going thither.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-17.htm">He comes to Jerusalem;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-27.htm">where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-37.htm">and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/acts/21.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>He had</b><br />This phrase refers to Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons chosen in <a href="/acts/6-5.htm">Acts 6:5</a>. The use of "he had" indicates possession and responsibility, suggesting Philip's role as a father who nurtured his daughters in the faith. Historically, Philip's household is a testament to the early Christian family structure, where faith was a central component of daily life.<p><b>four unmarried daughters</b><br />The mention of "four unmarried daughters" highlights the number and marital status of Philip's daughters. In the cultural context of the time, being unmarried could imply a focus on spiritual matters rather than domestic responsibilities. The number four may symbolize completeness or universality, suggesting that their prophetic gift was fully recognized and respected within the early church community.<p><b>who prophesied</b><br />The act of prophesying in the New Testament is often associated with speaking forth the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used here is "prophēteuō," which means to speak under divine inspiration. This indicates that Philip's daughters were active participants in the ministry of the early church, breaking cultural norms that often limited women's roles. Their prophetic gift underscores the inclusivity of the Holy Spirit's work, as prophesied in <a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28</a> and fulfilled in <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17</a>, where both sons and daughters are said to prophesy. This serves as an inspirational reminder of the diverse ways God equips His people for service, regardless of gender or marital status.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">The same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.</span>--Both elements of the description are full of interest as throwing light on the life of the Apostolic Church. (1) The four daughters were "virgins." The word then, as afterwards, probably indicated, not merely the bare fact that they were as yet unmarried, but that they had devoted themselves, if not by irrevocable vows, yet by a steadfast purpose, to that form of service. In the organisation of women's work in the Church they formed apparently a distinct class, the complement of that of the widows of <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm" title="Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.">1Timothy 5:10</a>. St. Paul had distinctly sanctioned such a life, as presenting a higher standard of excellence than the duties of domestic life (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-8.htm" title="I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.">1Corinthians 7:8</a>), and on grounds which, in their general character, went beyond the "present distress" of a time of persecution (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-26.htm" title="I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.">1Corinthians 7:26</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm" title="There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.">1Corinthians 7:34</a>). It was, indeed, a matter on which he had no commandment from the Lord (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm" title="Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.">1Corinthians 7:25</a>), and in which he was therefore open to the teachings of experience, and these seem to have modified his judgment at a later date, and led him to the conclusion that it was better that the younger "widows" should marry (<a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm" title="I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.">1Timothy 5:14</a>), and that they should only be received into the list of those who were maintained by the Church in return for their services as "widows," at a more advanced age (<a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm" title="Let not a widow be taken into the number under three score years old, having been the wife of one man.">1Timothy 5:9</a>). The order of "virgin," however, continued to exist, and the term <span class= "ital">Virgo, </span>sometimes with <span class= "ital">Ancilla Domini</span> (the handmaid of the Lord; comp. <a href="/romans/16-1.htm" title="I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:">Romans 16:1</a>) added to it, is found in the inscriptions from the catacombs now in the Museums of the Collegio Romano and the Lateran. So Pliny, in his letter to Trajan (<span class= "ital">Ep.</span> 10 ? 6), speaks of the women who were then called <span class= "ital">ministrae</span> among the Christians, the latter term being probably used as the equivalent for "deaconesses." (2) These virgins "prophesied." The word comprised much more than mere prediction of the future, and included all words that came into the mind of the speaker as an inspiration, and to the hearers as a message from God. (Comp. Notes on <a href="/acts/2-17.htm" title="And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:">Acts 2:17</a>; <a href="/acts/19-6.htm" title="And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.">Acts 19:6</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/14-24.htm" title="But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:">1Corinthians 14:24-25</a>.) In other words, they preached. We ask when, and where? Did they prophesy in the assemblies of the Church? It is true that St. Paul had forbidden this at Corinth (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm" title="Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted to them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also said the law.">1Corinthians 14:34</a>), and forbade it afterwards at Ephesus (<a href="/1_timothy/2-12.htm" title="But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.">1Timothy 2:12</a>); but the very prohibition proves that the practice was common (see also <a href="/1_corinthians/11-5.htm" title="But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.">1Corinthians 11:5</a>), and it does not follow that St. Paul's rules of discipline as yet obtained in all the churches. It is perfectly possible, however, that they may have confined their ministrations to those of their own sex, and, accompanying their father in his missionary journeys, have gained access to women, both among Jews and Gentiles, and brought them to the knowledge of the Truth. It is obvious that the services of women, acting as deaconesses, would be needed as a matter of decorum in the baptism of female converts. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> <span class="accented">- Now this man</span> for <span class="accented">and the same man</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Virgins</span>. This certainly conveys the impression that they had dedicated their lives to the service of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">1 Corinthians 7:34-38</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Which did prophesy</span>. The question arises - Did they exercise their gift of prophecy in the Church or in private? The passage <a href="/1_corinthians/11-5.htm">1 Corinthians 11:5</a> seems to indicate that in the Church of Corinth women did pray and prophesy in the congregation, while, on the other hand, <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">1 Corinthians 14:34, 35</a> seems peremptorily to forbid women to speak or teach in Church, as does <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">1 Timothy 2:11, 12</a>. How, then, is this apparent contradiction to be reconciled? It must be either by supposing <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> that the gift of prophecy spoken of here and in <a href="/1_corinthians/11-5.htm">1 Corinthians 11:5</a> was exercised in private only; or <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> that the prohibition did not apply to the extraordinary operation of the Holy Spirit speaking by prophet or prophetesses as the case might be. The latter seems the most probable (see <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a>, note). On the office of prophets in the early Church, see <a href="/acts/11-27.htm">Acts 11:27</a>; <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a>; <a href="/acts/15-32.htm">Acts 15:32</a>; <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Acts 19:6</a>; <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, 29</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2, 8</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">1 Corinthians 14:6, 29</a>, etc.; <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-20.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:20</a> (see Alford, on <a href="/acts/11-27.htm">Acts 11:27</a>). As regards these daughters of Philip, there are conflicting statements in early Church writers. Eusebius ('Eccl. Hist.,' 3:30) quotes Clement of Alexandria as saying that both Peter and Philip among the apostles were married and had children, and that Philip moreover gave his daughters in marriage to husbands. But in the next chapter <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> he quotes Polycrates, Bishop of Ephesus at the end of the second century, as saying that Philip the apostle and his two daughters, who had grown old in their virginity, were buried at Hierapolis; and that another daughter of his, "who had her conversation in the Holy Spirit," was buried at Ephesus. Eusebius himself thinks that these daughters of Philip the evangelist were meant. If they were, it does not necessarily follow that those who, according to Clemens Alexandrinus, were married were of the four mentioned here. They might be sisters. Polycrates seems to speak of three sisters who lived a religious life (in the technical sense); the fourth may have died young. But it is quite possible that Clemens may really be speaking of Philip the apostle, and Polycrates also; the more so as Philip the apostle, according to the tradition recorded by Nicephorns, suffered martyrdom at Hierapolis. However, the confusion between the two Philips is quite certain in the Menaeum (or Calendar) of the Greek Church, where we read, "On the 4th of September is the commemoration of Saint Hermione, one of the four daughters of the Apostle Philip, who baptized the eunuch of Candace. She and her sister Eutychis came into Asia after the death of the Apostle John. She was buried at Ephesus." A fragment of Caius (in Eusebius, 'Eccl. Hist.,' 3:31) increases the confusion by speaking of" the four daughters of Philip, prophetesses, who were buried in Hierapolis" (see Routh's 'Reliq. Sac.,' vol. 1. pp. 378-380). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/21-9.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">[He]</span><br /><span class="grk">τούτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(toutō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">had</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦσαν</span> <span class="translit">(ēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">four</span><br /><span class="grk">τέσσαρες</span> <span class="translit">(tessares)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5064.htm">Strong's 5064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">unmarried</span><br /><span class="grk">παρθένοι</span> <span class="translit">(parthenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3933.htm">Strong's 3933: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of unknown origin; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">daughters</span><br /><span class="grk">θυγατέρες</span> <span class="translit">(thygateres)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2364.htm">Strong's 2364: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who prophesied.</span><br /><span class="grk">προφητεύουσαι</span> <span class="translit">(prophēteuousai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4395.htm">Strong's 4395: </a> </span><span class="str2">From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/21-9.htm">Acts 21:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/21-9.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 21:9 Now this man had four virgin daughters (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/21-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 21:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 21:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/21-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 21:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 21:10" /></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>