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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 17:25 Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/17-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/44_Act_17_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 17:25 - Paul Before the Areopagus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." /><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/17-25.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/17-25.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/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 25</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="/ad5.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/17-24.htm" title="Acts 17:24">◄</a> Acts 17:25 <a href="/acts/17-26.htm" title="Acts 17:26">►</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/17.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/17.htm">New International Version</a> And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. <a href="/nlt/acts/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. <a href="/esv/acts/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. <a href="/bsb/acts/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything, Himself giving to all life and breath and everything. <a href="/kjv/acts/17.htm">King James Bible</a> Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/nkjv/acts/17.htm">New King James Version</a> Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. <a href="/nasb_/acts/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; <a href="/nasb/acts/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; <a href="/nasb77/acts/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; <a href="/lsb/acts/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; <a href="/amp/acts/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, because it is He who gives to all [people] life and breath and all things. <a href="/csb/acts/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. <a href="/hcsb/acts/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. <a href="/asv/acts/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/cev/acts/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He doesn't need help from anyone. He gives life, breath, and everything else to all people. <a href="/erv/acts/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/gwt/acts/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> and he isn't served by humans as if he needed anything. He gives everyone life, breath, and everything they have. <a href="/gnt/acts/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to everyone. <a href="/isv/acts/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> and he isn't served by people as if he needed anything. He himself gives everyone life, breath, and everything else. <a href="/msb/acts/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Nor is He served by the hands of men, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. <a href="/net/acts/17.htm">NET Bible</a> nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone. <a href="/nheb/acts/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath, and all things. <a href="/wbt/acts/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Nor is He ministered to by human hands, as though He needed anything--but He Himself gives to all men life and breath and all things. <a href="/web/acts/17.htm">World English Bible</a> He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> neither is He served by the hands of men—needing anything, He giving life to all, and breath, and all things; <a href="/blb/acts/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything, Himself giving to all life and breath and everything. <a href="/ylt/acts/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> neither by the hands of men is He served -- needing anything, He giving to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/slt/acts/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Nor is served by men's hands, standing in need of anything, he giving to all life, and breath, and all things.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Neither is he served with men's hands, as though he needed any thing; seeing it is he who giveth to all life, and breath, and all things: <a href="/cpdv/acts/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Neither is he served by the hands of men, as if in need of anything, since it is he who gives to all things life and breath and all else. <a href="/nabre/acts/17.htm">New American Bible</a> nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything. Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Neither is he ministered to by human hands, nor is he in need of anything, for it is he who gave life and breath to all men. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And he is not served by the hands of men, and he has no need of anything, because he gives every person life and a soul.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> nor is he ministered to by the hands of men, as if he needed any thing: for he himself gives to all life, and breath, and all things: <a href="/godbey/acts/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> neither is he worshiped by human hands, as if needing something, Himself having given life, and breath, and all things to all; <a href="/haweis/acts/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed any creature, himself imparting to all beings life, and breath, and all things. <a href="/mace/acts/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have. <a href="/wey/acts/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Nor is He ministered to by human hands, as though He needed anything--but He Himself gives to all men life and breath and all things. <a href="/worrell/acts/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> nor is ministered to by human hands, as if needing anything; Himself giving to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/worsley/acts/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> nor is He served by the hands of men, as needing any thing: for He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; <a href="/parallel/acts/17-25.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=5817" 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/17.htm">Paul Before the Areopagus</a> …24The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. 25<a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">Nor</a> <a href="/greek/2323.htm" title="2323: therapeuetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- From the same as therapon; to wait upon menially, i.e. to adore, or to relieve.">is He served</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/442.htm" title="442: anthrōpinōn (Adj-GFP) -- Belonging to human beings (especially as contrasted with God), human (as contrasted with divine). From anthropos; human.">human</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheirōn (N-GFP) -- A hand. ">hands,</a> <a href="/greek/4326.htm" title="4326: prosdeomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To want more, need in addition. From pros and deomai; to require additionally, i.e. Want further.">as if He needed</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tinos (IPro-GNS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anything,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autos (PPro-NM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">because He Himself</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: didous (V-PPA-NMS) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">gives</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasi (Adj-DMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone</a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēn (N-AFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4157.htm" title="4157: pnoēn (N-AFS) -- (a) breath, (b) gust, breeze, wind. From pneo; respiration, a breeze.">breath</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything else.</a> 26From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.…<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="/psalms/50-10.htm">Psalm 50:10-12</a> for every beast of the forest is Mine—the cattle on a thousand hills. / I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. / If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof. <a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Isaiah 42:5</a> This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: <a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2-3</a> “Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? / Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless? <a href="/job/35-6.htm">Job 35:6-8</a> If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? If you multiply your transgressions, what do you do to Him? / If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand? / Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man. <a href="/psalms/104-14.htm">Psalm 104:14-15</a> He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. <a href="/psalms/145-15.htm">Psalm 145:15-16</a> The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. / You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. <a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28-29</a> Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. / He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. <a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a> I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. <a href="/daniel/5-23.htm">Daniel 5:23</a> Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. <a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Nehemiah 9:6</a> You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You. <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a> Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. <a href="/john/5-26.htm">John 5:26</a> For as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. <a href="/romans/11-35.htm">Romans 11:35-36</a> “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” / For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">1 Corinthians 8:6</a> yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a> For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things;is.<a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2</a> Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?<a href="/job/35-6.htm">Job 35:6,7</a> If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? … <a href="/psalms/16-2.htm">Psalm 16:2</a> O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;seeing.<a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a> For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.<a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Acts 14:17</a> Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a> And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/john/21-24.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/acts/17-24.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Human</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Need</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/matthew/25-44.htm">Needing</a> <a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Served</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Something</a> <a href="/acts/15-38.htm">Work</a> <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/acts/17-17.htm">Worshipped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/acts/18-10.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Human</a> <a href="/acts/20-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/19-22.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Need</a> <a href="/acts/28-10.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Needing</a> <a href="/acts/19-22.htm">Served</a> <a href="/acts/18-14.htm">Something</a> <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Work</a> <a href="/acts/18-7.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/acts/18-7.htm">Worshipped</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 17</div>1. <a href="/acts/17-1.htm">Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,</a> 5. <a href="/acts/17-5.htm">and others persecute him.</a> 10. <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/17-13.htm">Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;</a> 32. <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Nor is He served by human hands This phrase emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and independence from human efforts. In the context of <a href="/acts/17.htm">Acts 17</a>, Paul is addressing the Athenians at the Areopagus, contrasting the living God with the idols made by human hands. Unlike the pagan gods who required temples and offerings, the God of the Bible is not dependent on human service. This reflects the Old Testament understanding found in <a href="/psalms/50-10.htm">Psalm 50:10-12</a>, where God declares that He owns all creation and does not need sacrifices from humans. Theologically, this underscores the doctrine of God's aseity, meaning He exists in and of Himself, needing nothing from creation.as if He needed anything This phrase further clarifies God's nature as self-sufficient. In the Greco-Roman world, gods were often thought to require human offerings to sustain their power or favor. However, the God of Israel is depicted as wholly independent, not requiring anything from His creation. This is consistent with <a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a>, which describes God as the everlasting Creator who does not grow tired or weary. The idea that God needs nothing from us highlights His omnipotence and the grace He extends to humanity, not out of necessity, but out of love.because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else This phrase shifts the focus from what God does not need to what He provides. God is the source of all life, echoing <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, where God breathes life into Adam. The mention of "breath" connects to the Hebrew word "ruach," meaning spirit or breath, indicating the life-giving power of God. This also aligns with <a href="/job/33-4.htm">Job 33:4</a>, where the Spirit of God is said to have made and given life. The phrase "everything else" encompasses all of creation, affirming God's providence and sovereignty over the universe. This provision is a testament to His grace and generosity, as seen in <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Matthew 6:26-30</a>, where Jesus speaks of God's care for all creation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The speaker in this passage, Paul is addressing the people of Athens at the Areopagus, explaining the nature of the true God. 2. <a href="/topical/a/athens.htm">Athens</a> A city known for its rich history in philosophy and religion, where Paul delivers his sermon to the Athenians. 3. <a href="/topical/a/areopagus.htm">Areopagus</a> A prominent rock outcropping in Athens, serving as the meeting place for the council of elders, where Paul presents his message. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_athenians.htm">The Athenians</a> The audience of Paul's sermon, known for their interest in new ideas and philosophies. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_unknown_god.htm">The Unknown God</a> Paul refers to an altar with the inscription "To an Unknown God," using it as a starting point to introduce the Athenians to the one true God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_self-sufficiency.htm">God's Self-Sufficiency</a> God does not need anything from us. He is complete and self-sufficient, which should humble us and lead us to worship Him for who He is, not for what He needs. <a href="/topical/g/god_as_the_source_of_life.htm">God as the Source of Life</a> Recognize that every breath and every aspect of life is a gift from God. This awareness should lead us to gratitude and dependence on Him daily. <a href="/topical/h/human_limitations.htm">Human Limitations</a> Understanding our limitations and God's greatness should drive us to rely on His strength and provision rather than our own efforts. <a href="/topical/w/worship_in_spirit_and_truth.htm">Worship in Spirit and Truth</a> Since God is not served by human hands, our worship should be genuine, rooted in spirit and truth, rather than mere rituals or offerings. <a href="/topical/e/evangelism_and_apologetics.htm">Evangelism and Apologetics</a> Like Paul, we should be prepared to engage with the culture around us, using their own beliefs and practices as a starting point to introduce them to the truth of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 17</a> <a href="/q/does_divine_aid_favor_the_self-reliant.htm">Does divine assistance favor self-reliant individuals?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_charity.htm">What does the Bible say about giving to the poor?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_tithes,_offerings.htm">What does the Bible say about tithes and offerings?</a> <a href="/q/why_can't_we_choose_to_be_born.htm">If free will is important, why doesn’t God let us choose whether or not to be born?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing.--Literally, as needing anything in addition. The previous words had struck at a false theory of temples, this strikes at a false theory of worship. Men have to think of God as the supreme Giver, not as requiring anything at their hands but justice, mercy, and truth. Both Jewish and heathen writers had borne their witness of the same truth: David had said, "Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it" (<a href="/psalms/51-16.htm" title="For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering.">Psalm 51:16</a>), and the Latin Epicurean poet had written of the Divine nature, that it was--"Ipsa suis pollens opibus, nihil indiga nostri,Nec bene promeritis capitur, nec tangitur ira."["Strong in itself, it needeth nought of ours,Is neither won by gifts, nor moved by wrath."]Lucret. ii. 649-50.The passage is found also in some editions in i. 61, 62.Life and breath.--If we can draw a distinction between the two words, the first may be held to mean the higher element of man's life, the latter that which he shares, by virtue of his organization, with other animals. Stoics and Epicureans would, probably, both of them, so far, accept a teaching which echoed much that was taught in their own schools.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - Is he served by for is worshipped with, A.V.; he himself for he, A.V. Served by men's hands. Θεραπεύεται, is "waited upon," as a man is waited upon by his servant, who ministers to his wants; θεράπων and θεραπευτής are "an attendant." So in Hebrew: עָבַד, to serve God; עָבֵד, a servant of God; עְבודָה service as of the Levites in the temple, etc. Anything; or as some take it, as if he needed anybody's help or service. The argument, as Chrysostom suggests, is similar to that in <a href="/psalms/50-8.htm">Psalm 50:8-12</a>. <a href="/commentaries/acts/17-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Nor οὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. is He served θεραπεύεται (therapeuetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2323.htm">Strong's 2323: </a> From the same as therapon; to wait upon menially, i.e. to adore, or to relieve. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). human ἀνθρωπίνων (anthrōpinōn) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_442.htm">Strong's 442: </a> Belonging to human beings (especially as contrasted with God), human (as contrasted with divine). From anthropos; human. hands, χειρῶν (cheirōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. as if He needed προσδεόμενός (prosdeomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4326.htm">Strong's 4326: </a> To want more, need in addition. From pros and deomai; to require additionally, i.e. Want further. anything, τινος (tinos) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. [because] He Himself αὐτὸς (autos) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 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. gives διδοὺς (didous) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. all [men] πᾶσι (pasi) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. life ζωὴν (zōēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. breath πνοὴν (pnoēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4157.htm">Strong's 4157: </a> (a) breath, (b) gust, breeze, wind. From pneo; respiration, a breeze. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. everything [else]. πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/17-25.htm">Acts 17:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/17-25.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 17:25 Neither is he served by men's hands (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/17-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 17:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 17:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/17-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 17:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 17:26" /></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>