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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 23:21 Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/23-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/44_Act_23_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 23:21 - The Plot to Kill Paul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent." /><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><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/23-21.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/23-21.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 21</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/23-20.htm" title="Acts 23:20">◄</a> Acts 23:21 <a href="/acts/23-22.htm" title="Acts 23:22">►</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> Don&#8217t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.” <a href="/esv/acts/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” <a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.” <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You therefore should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you." <a href="/kjv/acts/23.htm">King James Bible</a> But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. <a href="/nkjv/acts/23.htm">New King James Version</a> But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are in hiding to ambush him, and these men have put themselves under an oath not to eat or drink until they kill him; and now they are ready and waiting for assurance from you.” <a href="/nasb/acts/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” <a href="/lsb/acts/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of them—who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him—are lying in wait for him and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” <a href="/amp/acts/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, and they have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Even now they are ready, just waiting for your promise.” <a href="/csb/acts/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Don’t let them persuade you, because there are more than forty of them lying in ambush—men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Don&#8217t let them persuade you, because there are more than 40 of them arranging to ambush him, men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they kill him. Now they are ready, waiting for a commitment from you.&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee. <a href="/cev/acts/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But please don't do what they say. More than 40 men are going to attack Paul. They have made a vow not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. Even now they are waiting to hear what you decide." <a href="/erv/acts/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee. <a href="/gwt/acts/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't let them persuade you to do this. More than forty of them are planning to ambush him. They have asked God to curse them if they eat or drink anything before they have murdered him. They are ready now and are expecting you to promise [that you will bring Paul]." <a href="/gnt/acts/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> But don't listen to them, because there are more than forty men who will be hiding and waiting for him. They have taken a vow not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are now ready to do it and are waiting for your decision." <a href="/isv/acts/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Don't believe them, because more than 40 of them are planning to ambush him. They've taken an oath not to eat or drink before they've killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent." <a href="/msb/acts/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.? <a href="/net/acts/23.htm">NET Bible</a> So do not let them persuade you to do this, because more than forty of them are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him, and now they are ready, waiting for you to agree to their request." <a href="/nheb/acts/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore do not yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you." <a href="/wbt/acts/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But do not thou yield to them: for there are of them who lie in wait for him more than forty men, who have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now they are ready, looking for a promise from thee. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I beg you not to comply; for more than forty men among them are lying in wait for him, who have solemnly vowed that they will neither eat nor drink till they have assassinated him; and even now they are ready, in anticipation of receiving that promise of you." <a href="/web/acts/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> you, therefore, may you not yield to them, for there more than forty men of them lie in wait for him, who cursed themselves—not to eat nor to drink until they kill him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You therefore should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you." <a href="/ylt/acts/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> thou, therefore, mayest thou not yield to them, for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who did anathematize themselves -- not to eat nor to drink till they kill him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from thee.' <a href="/slt/acts/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore thou shouldest not be persuaded by them: for more than forty men of them lie in wait for him, who anathematized themselves, neither to eat or drink till they should kill him: and now are they prepared, expecting a promise from thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But do not thou give credit to them; for there lie in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound themselves by oath neither to eat, nor to drink, till they have killed him: and they are now ready, looking for a promise from thee. <a href="/cpdv/acts/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But truly, you should not believe them, for they would ambush him with more than forty men from among them, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat, nor to drink, until they have put him to death. And they are now prepared, hoping for an affirmation from you.” <a href="/nabre/acts/23.htm">New American Bible</a> but do not believe them. More than forty of them are lying in wait for him; they have bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are now ready and only wait for your consent.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You must not listen to them: for behold more than forty of them, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor to drink till they have killed him, are lying in wait for him: and behold they are ready and awaiting your reply. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Therefore you should not believe them, for behold, there are more than forty men of them who are watching for him in ambush and they have put a curse upon themselves that they will not eat or drink until they kill him. And behold, they are ready and waiting for your promise.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Do not, however, be persuaded by them; for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him; and they have bound themselves under a curse, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for a promise from you. <a href="/godbey/acts/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore do not be persuaded by them: for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, who have obligated themselves by an oath, neither to eat nor drink until they may kill him: and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you. <a href="/haweis/acts/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But do not thou consent to them: for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves under an anathema, neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now they are in readiness, waiting only to procure the promise from thee.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but don't believe them: for above forty of them lie in ambush, having bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink till they have kill'd him: they are already prepar'd, and only wait your answer. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I beg you not to comply; for more than forty men among them are lying in wait for him, who have solemnly vowed that they will neither eat nor drink till they have assassinated him; and even now they are ready, in anticipation of receiving that promise of you." <a href="/worrell/acts/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Be not, therefore, persuaded by them; for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him; who, indeed, bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor drink, till they should kill him; and now they are ready, expecting the promise from you." <a href="/worsley/acts/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But do not thou comply with them: for there lie in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound themselves with a curse neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him: and they are now ready, waiting for an order from thee. <a href="/parallel/acts/23-21.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=7864" 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> …20He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. 21<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Do not let</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3982.htm" title="3982: peisthēs (V-ASP-2S) -- A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.">persuade</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleious (Adj-NMP-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.">more than</a> <a href="/greek/5062.htm" title="5062: tesserakonta (Adj-GMP) -- Forty. The decade of tessares; forty.">forty</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andres (N-NMP) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">men</a> <a href="/greek/1748.htm" title="1748: enedreuousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To lie in wait (ambush) for, seek to entrap (hence: I defraud, deceive). From enedra; to lurk, i.e. plot assassination.">are waiting to ambush</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him.</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hoitines (RelPro-NMP) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">They</a> <a href="/greek/332.htm" title="332: anethematisan (V-AIA-3P) -- To curse, invoke curses, devote to destruction. From anathema; to declare or vow under penalty of execration.">have bound themselves with an oath</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. "></a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">not</a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: phagein (V-ANA) -- A primary verb; to eat.">to eat</a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4095.htm" title="4095: piein (V-ANA) -- To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.">drink</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/337.htm" title="337: anelōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From ana and haireomai; to take up, i.e. Adopt; by implication, to take away, i.e. Abolish, murder.">they have killed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">they are</a> <a href="/greek/2092.htm" title="2092: hetoimoi (Adj-NMP) -- Ready, prepared. From an old noun heteos; adjusted, i.e. Ready.">ready</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now,</a> <a href="/greek/4327.htm" title="4327: prosdechomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- From pros and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await.">awaiting</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."></a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelian (N-AFS) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">consent.”</a> 22So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”…<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="/acts/9-23.htm">Acts 9:23-24</a> After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order 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="/acts/22-30.htm">Acts 22:30</a> The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them. <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Acts 21:31</a> While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Acts 20:3</a> where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. <a href="/acts/18-12.htm">Acts 18:12</a> While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Acts 14:5-6</a> But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, / they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">Acts 13:50</a> The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district. <a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Acts 12:3</a> And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. <a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Acts 7:54</a> On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. <a href="/acts/6-11.htm">Acts 6:11-14</a> Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” / So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. ... <a href="/matthew/26-4.htm">Matthew 26:4</a> and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Matthew 12:14</a> But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. <a href="/mark/3-6.htm">Mark 3:6</a> At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. <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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But do not you yield to them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from you.do not.<a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2</a> Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:for.<a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-14</a> And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul… <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Acts 9:23,24</a> And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: … <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Acts 14:5,6</a> And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, … an oath.<a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Acts 23:14</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="/romans/9-3.htm">Romans 9:3</a> For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/23-16.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-14.htm">Anticipation</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-24.htm">Assassinated</a> <a href="/acts/21-39.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/esther/3-4.htm">Comply</a> <a href="/acts/18-20.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/acts/23-13.htm">Forty</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/acts/5-4.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/acts/18-21.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/23-15.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/acts/17-15.htm">Receiving</a> <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">Request</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/acts/11-7.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/acts/23-19.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/mark/6-23.htm">Vowed</a> <a href="/acts/23-16.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/acts/22-16.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/john/5-39.htm">Yield</a> <a href="/acts/23-18.htm">You</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-14.htm">Anticipation</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-20.htm">Assassinated</a> <a href="/acts/24-4.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/esther/3-4.htm">Comply</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm">Forty</a> <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-11.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/23-23.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Receiving</a> <a href="/acts/24-4.htm">Request</a> <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/romans/7-11.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/acts/26-22.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/acts/24-15.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Vowed</a> <a href="/acts/23-30.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/romans/6-13.htm">Yield</a> <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">You</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>Do not let them persuade you This phrase highlights the urgency and seriousness of the warning given to the Roman commander. The context is Paul's nephew informing the commander of a plot against Paul. The use of "persuade" suggests that the conspirators might attempt to manipulate or convince the authorities to act against Paul. This reflects the tension between the Jewish leaders and Paul, who was seen as a threat to their religious authority. The commander's role is crucial as he must discern the truth and act justly, reminiscent of Pilate's role in Jesus' trial.because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him The mention of "more than forty men" indicates a significant and organized conspiracy. This number suggests a serious threat, as such a group would be formidable. The term "ambush" implies a premeditated and violent plan, reflecting the intense opposition Paul faced. This mirrors the hostility Jesus encountered from religious leaders. The plotters' determination underscores the lengths to which Paul's opponents would go to stop his ministry, highlighting the spiritual warfare against the spread of the Gospel.They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him The oath signifies the plotters' extreme commitment, reflecting the seriousness of their intent. In Jewish culture, oaths were sacred and binding, often invoking God's name. This highlights the religious zeal and desperation of Paul's adversaries. The vow to fast until Paul's death shows their willingness to sacrifice personal well-being for their cause. This echoes the Pharisees' and Sadducees' determination to eliminate Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their authority and traditions.they are ready now, awaiting your consent The immediacy of "they are ready now" emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The conspirators' readiness indicates their impatience and determination to act swiftly. "Awaiting your consent" shows their need for the commander's cooperation, highlighting the political and legal complexities of the situation. This reflects the delicate balance of power between Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. The commander's decision would have significant implications, much like Pilate's decision regarding Jesus' fate.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> - The apostle who is the target of the assassination plot. He is a central figure in the early Christian church and a prolific writer of the New Testament. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_forty_conspirators.htm">The Forty Conspirators</a> - A group of more than forty Jewish men who have taken an oath to kill Paul. Their plot demonstrates the intense opposition Paul faced from some Jewish leaders. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_commander.htm">The Roman Commander (Claudius Lysias)</a> - The Roman official responsible for Paul's safety. He is informed of the plot and takes action to protect Paul. 4. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_nephew.htm">Paul's Nephew</a> - The young man who discovers the plot against Paul and informs the Roman commander, playing a crucial role in thwarting the assassination attempt. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> - The city where these events take place, a significant location for both Jewish and early Christian history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> Despite human schemes, God's plans prevail. The plot against Paul is thwarted, demonstrating God's sovereign protection over His servants. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_courage_and_action.htm">The Importance of Courage and Action</a> Paul's nephew shows courage by taking action to inform the authorities. Believers are called to act courageously in the face of evil. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_providence.htm">The Role of Divine Providence</a> God uses ordinary people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Paul's nephew's timely intervention is a reminder of how God works through individuals. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Paul remains faithful despite constant threats. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's protection.<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/who_was_gad_the_seer_in_the_bible.htm">Why was there a famine during David's reign?</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 href="/q/how_do_1_sam_13_1-2_and_acts_13_21_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 13:1-2 reconcile with Acts 13:21, which states Saul reigned for forty years?</a> <a href="/q/acts_23__is_claudius_lysias_accurate.htm">Acts 23 - Are the Roman legal procedures and the role of the commander, Claudius Lysias, accurately portrayed compared to known historical records?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Do not thou therefore for but do not thou, A.V.; under a curse for with an oath, A.V.; neither to eat nor to drink for that they will neither eat nor drink, A.V.; slain for killed, A.V.; the for a (promise), A.V. Do not... yield (μὴ πεισθῇς); be not persuaded by them; do not assent unto them (see <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Luke 16:6</a>; <a href="/acts/5-40.htm">Acts 5:40</a>; <a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Acts 17:4</a>, etc.). The promise, etc.; τὴν ἀπὸ σοῦ ἐπαγγελίαν. The word occurs above fifty times in the New Testament, and is always rendered "promise" in the A.V., except in <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a>, where it is rendered both in the A.V. and the R.V. "message," which is the literal meaning of the word. In Polybius it means "a summons." Either of these meanings suits this passage better than "promise." <a href="/commentaries/acts/23-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{Do} not {let} μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. persuade πεισθῇς (peisthēs) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3982.htm">Strong's 3982: </a> A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. you, σὺ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. because γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. more than πλείους (pleious) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion. forty τεσσεράκοντα (tesserakonta) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5062.htm">Strong's 5062: </a> Forty. The decade of tessares; forty. men ἄνδρες (andres) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. are waiting to ambush ἐνεδρεύουσιν (enedreuousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1748.htm">Strong's 1748: </a> To lie in wait (ambush) for, seek to entrap (hence: I defraud, deceive). From enedra; to lurk, i.e. plot assassination. him. αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [They] οἵτινες (hoitines) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. have bound themselves with an oath ἀνεθεμάτισαν (anethematisan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd 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. not μήτε (mēte) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even. to eat φαγεῖν (phagein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A primary verb; to eat. [or] μήτε (mēte) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even. drink πιεῖν (piein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4095.htm">Strong's 4095: </a> To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe. until ἕως (heōs) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. they have killed ἀνέλωσιν (anelōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_337.htm">Strong's 337: </a> From ana and haireomai; to take up, i.e. Adopt; by implication, to take away, i.e. Abolish, murder. him; αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. they are εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. ready ἕτοιμοι (hetoimoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2092.htm">Strong's 2092: </a> Ready, prepared. From an old noun heteos; adjusted, i.e. Ready. now, νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. awaiting προσδεχόμενοι (prosdechomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4327.htm">Strong's 4327: </a> From pros and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await. your σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. consent.? ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 23:21 Therefore don't yield to them for more (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/23-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 23:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 23:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/23-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 23:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 23:22" /></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>