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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 9:8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/9-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/44_Act_09_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 9:8 - The Road to Damascus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. 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So they led him by the hand into Damascus. <a href="/nlt/acts/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. <a href="/esv/acts/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Saul rose up from the ground, but of his eyes having been opened, he could see nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him to Damascus. <a href="/kjv/acts/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/nkjv/acts/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/nasb_/acts/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. <a href="/nasb/acts/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. <a href="/nasb77/acts/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. <a href="/lsb/acts/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. Leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. <a href="/amp/acts/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/csb/acts/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. <a href="/hcsb/acts/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. <a href="/asv/acts/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/cev/acts/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul got up from the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he could not see a thing. Someone then led him by the hand to Damascus, <a href="/erv/acts/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/gwt/acts/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul was helped up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him into Damascus. <a href="/gnt/acts/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. <a href="/isv/acts/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Saul got up off the ground, he couldn't see anything, even though his eyes were open. So his companions took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. <a href="/msb/acts/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. <a href="/net/acts/9.htm">NET Bible</a> So Saul got up from the ground, but although his eyes were open, he could see nothing. Leading him by the hand, his companions brought him into Damascus. <a href="/nheb/acts/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul arose from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see anything. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/wbt/acts/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then he rose from the ground, but when he had opened his eyes, he could not see, and they led him by the arm and brought him to Damascus. <a href="/web/acts/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Saul arose from the earth, and his eyes having been opened, he beheld no one, and leading him by the hand they brought him to Damascus, <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Saul rose up from the ground, but of his eyes having been opened, he could see nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him to Damascus. <a href="/ylt/acts/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Saul arose from the earth, and his eyes having been opened, he beheld no one, and leading him by the hand they brought him to Damascus, <a href="/slt/acts/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul was raised up from the earth; and his eyes being opened, he saw no one: and leading him by the hand, they brought him to Damascus.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. <a href="/cpdv/acts/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Saul rose up from the ground. And upon opening his eyes, he saw nothing. So leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. <a href="/nabre/acts/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Saul arose from the ground, but he could not see even though his eyes were open; and they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And Shaul got up off the ground and could not see anything, while his eyes were open. And while they held his hands they brought him to Darmsuq.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one; but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. <a href="/godbey/acts/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Saul arose from the ground; and his eyes being open, he saw nothing: but leading him by the hand, they led him into Damascus; <a href="/haweis/acts/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then Paul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. <a href="/mace/acts/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> at length Saul rose from the ground; and when he opened his eyes, he could not see: so that they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus, <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then he rose from the ground, but when he had opened his eyes, he could not see, and they led him by the arm and brought him to Damascus. <a href="/worrell/acts/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Saul arose from the earth; and, his eyes being opened, he beheld nothing; but, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus. <a href="/worsley/acts/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Saul rose from the earth, but when he opened his eyes he could not see: so they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus. <a href="/parallel/acts/9-8.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=2739" 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/9.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> …7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone. 8<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4569.htm" title="4569: Saulos (N-NMS) -- Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul.">Saul</a> <a href="/greek/1453.htm" title="1453: ēgerthē (V-AIP-3S) -- (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.">got up</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēs (N-GFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">ground,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: aneōgmenōn (V-RPM/P-GMP) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">when he opened</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmōn (N-GMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: eblepen (V-IIA-3S) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">he could not see</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">a thing.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">So</a> <a href="/greek/5496.htm" title="5496: cheiragōgountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To lead by the hand. From cheiragogos; to be a hand-leader, i.e. To guide.">they led him by the hand</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."></a> <a href="/greek/1521.htm" title="1521: eisēgagon (V-AIA-3P) -- To lead in, bring in, introduce. From eis and ago; to introduce."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/1154.htm" title="1154: Damaskon (N-AFS) -- Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">Damascus.</a> 9For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink anything.…<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/22-11.htm">Acts 22:11</a> Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus. <a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Acts 26:13-14</a> About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. / We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a> Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/luke/24-16.htm">Luke 24:16</a> But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17-20</a> Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. / As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. / And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. ... <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/john/9-1.htm">John 9:1-7</a> Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, / and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” / Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-16</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a> as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” <a href="/exodus/4-11.htm">Exodus 4:11</a> And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? <a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Isaiah 42:7</a> to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Psalm 146:8</a> the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.he saw.<a href="/acts/9-18.htm">Acts 9:18</a> And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.<a href="/acts/13-11.htm">Acts 13:11</a> And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.<a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Acts 22:11</a> And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/4-30.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/acts/7-4.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/acts/7-56.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Led</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/8-35.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Saul</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/acts/9-10.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/10-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/9-18.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/13-28.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/acts/9-12.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Led</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/9-40.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/9-18.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/acts/9-11.htm">Saul</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 9</div>1. <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth, </a> 8. <a href="/acts/9-8.htm">and led blind to Damascus;</a> 10. <a href="/acts/9-10.htm">is called to the apostleship;</a> 18. <a href="/acts/9-18.htm">and is baptized by Ananias.</a> 20. <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">He preaches Christ boldly.</a> 23. <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">The Jews lay wait to kill him;</a> 29. <a href="/acts/9-29.htm">so do the Grecians, but he escapes both.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;</a> 36. <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">and restores Tabitha to life.</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/9.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/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Saul got up from the ground This phrase marks the aftermath of Saul's dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul, later known as Paul, was a zealous Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of Christians. His falling to the ground signifies a moment of divine intervention and humility before the risen Christ. This event is pivotal in Saul's transformation and mission. The ground symbolizes a place of submission and the beginning of a new journey, reminiscent of other biblical figures who encountered God and were changed, such as Moses at the burning bush.but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing Saul's physical blindness is symbolic of his spiritual blindness. Before this encounter, Saul was blind to the truth of Jesus as the Messiah. His inability to see represents a temporary judgment and a period of reflection and dependence on God. This blindness is a physical manifestation of his need for spiritual insight and transformation. It also parallels the condition of Israel, often described as blind to the truth of God's revelation (<a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>).So they led him by the hand into Damascus This phrase highlights Saul's vulnerability and dependence on others, contrasting sharply with his previous self-sufficiency and authority. Being led by the hand signifies a humbling experience and a reversal of roles; the persecutor is now being guided. Damascus, a significant city in ancient Syria, was a center of trade and culture. It was also a place where early Christians had established a community. Saul's entry into Damascus marks the beginning of his new mission as an apostle to the Gentiles, fulfilling God's plan to spread the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. This journey into Damascus is a fulfillment of God's sovereign plan, as seen in the prophecies of the spread of the Gospel to all nations (<a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> A zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians who later becomes the Apostle Paul. At this point in the account, he is on his way to Damascus to arrest followers of "the Way." 2. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> An ancient city in Syria, significant as the destination where Saul experiences his dramatic conversion to Christianity. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_road_to_damascus.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> The setting for Saul's encounter with the risen Christ, which leads to his temporary blindness and subsequent conversion. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_companions_of_saul.htm">The Companions of Saul</a> Those traveling with Saul who witness the event but do not see the vision of Christ. They assist Saul by leading him into Damascus. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_saul's_blindness.htm">The Event of Saul's Blindness</a> A pivotal moment in Saul's life, symbolizing both physical and spiritual transformation. His blindness represents his previous spiritual ignorance and foreshadows his new spiritual insight.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_blindness_and_sight.htm">Spiritual Blindness and Sight</a> Saul's physical blindness is a metaphor for spiritual blindness. Before his encounter with Christ, Saul was spiritually blind to the truth of the gospel. This event challenges us to consider areas in our lives where we may be spiritually blind and need Christ's light to see clearly. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_and_others.htm">Dependence on God and Others</a> Saul's need to be led by the hand into Damascus highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God and others. In our spiritual journey, we must recognize our need for guidance and support from fellow believers. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_encounter_with_christ.htm">Transformation through Encounter with Christ</a> Saul's conversion is a powerful example of how an encounter with Christ can radically transform a person's life. This encourages us to seek personal encounters with Christ that lead to transformation and renewal. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_in_uncertainty.htm">Obedience in Uncertainty</a> Despite his blindness, Saul obeys the command to go into Damascus. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's direction, even when the path is unclear or challenging.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 9</a> <a href="/q/how_is_paul's_blindness_and_recovery_possible.htm">Acts 9:8–9: How could Paul’s immediate blindness and rapid recovery be medically or naturally feasible? </a> <a href="/q/what_occurred_in_saul's_conversion.htm">What happened during Saul's Damascus Road conversion?</a> <a href="/q/how_are_you_grounded_in_love.htm">Why was Saul chosen as a vessel by God?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_elisha_blind_and_unblind_foes.htm">2 Kings 6:18–20: How could Elisha strike an entire enemy force with blindness and then restore their sight? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) He saw no man.--The blindness was that of one who has been dazzled with excess of light (comp. <a href="/acts/22-11.htm" title="And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.">Acts 22:11</a>), the natural result of the vision of the supernatural glory, a witness to the man himself that the vision was not a mere play of imagination. Traces of its permanent effect on his powers of sight have been found in his habit of dictating rather than writing letters (see Note on <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-17.htm" title="The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every letter: so I write.">2Thessalonians 3:17</a>), in the large characters traced by him when he did write (see Note on <a href="/galatians/6-11.htm" title="You see how large a letter I have written to you with my own hand.">Galatians 6:11</a>), in his not recognising the high priest who commanded him to be struck. (See Notes on <a href="/context/acts/23-2.htm" title="And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.">Acts 23:2-5</a>.) Of the many theories as to the mysterious "thorn in the flesh" (see Note on <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm" title="And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.">2Corinthians 12:7</a>), there seems most reason for accepting that which connects it with some affection of the eyes, involving, perhaps, attacks of agonising pain. On this assumption, the eager wish of the Galatians, if it had been possible to have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him, receives a special and interesting significance. (See Note on <a href="/galatians/4-15.htm" title="Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.">Galatians 4:15</a>.) For Saul himself, the blindness may well have had a spiritual significance. He had looked on himself as a "guide of the blind," boasting that he saw clearly (<a href="/romans/2-19.htm" title="And are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,">Romans 2:19</a>). Now, for a time, till inward and outward light should shine in on him, he had to accept his blindness. The new-born soul had to be as . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. Nothing for no man, A.V. and T.R.; and for but, A.V. Nothing (οὐδὲν for οὐδένα). So the best manuscripts and editions The idea is, not like that in <a href="/matthew/17-8.htm">Matthew 17:8</a> that when he opened his eyes the person seen in vision had disappeared, but simply that his eyesight was gone, "for the glory of that light," and he could see nothing, but had to be led like a blind man (see <a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Acts 22:11</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/9-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Saul Σαῦλος (Saulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4569.htm">Strong's 4569: </a> Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul. got up ἠγέρθη (ēgerthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1453.htm">Strong's 1453: </a> (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <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. ground, γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. when he opened ἀνεῳγμένων (aneōgmenōn) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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. eyes ὀφθαλμῶν (ophthalmōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. he could not see ἔβλεπεν (eblepen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. [a thing]. οὐδὲν (ouden) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. [So] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. they led him by the hand χειραγωγοῦντες (cheiragōgountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5496.htm">Strong's 5496: </a> To lead by the hand. From cheiragogos; to be a hand-leader, i.e. To guide. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Damascus. Δαμασκόν (Damaskon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1154.htm">Strong's 1154: </a> Damascus. 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