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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 26:14 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.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/26-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/44_Act_26_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 26:14 - Paul's Testimony to Agrippa" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? 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It is hard for you to kick against the goads.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/acts/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ <a href="/esv/acts/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And of all of us having fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' <a href="/kjv/acts/26.htm">King James Bible</a> And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. <a href="/nkjv/acts/26.htm">New King James Version</a> And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/nasb_/acts/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/nasb/acts/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, &#8216Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/acts/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/lsb/acts/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/amp/acts/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice in the Hebrew dialect (Jewish Aramaic) saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick [repeatedly] against the goads [offering pointless resistance].’ <a href="/csb/acts/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <a href="/hcsb/acts/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. <a href="/cev/acts/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We all fell to the ground. Then I heard a voice say to me in Aramaic, "Saul, Saul, why are you so cruel to me? It's foolish to fight against me!" <a href="/erv/acts/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. <a href="/gwt/acts/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> All of us fell to the ground, and I heard a voice asking me in Hebrew, 'Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me? It's hard for [a mortal like] you to resist God.' <a href="/gnt/acts/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> All of us fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, 'Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me? You are hurting yourself by hitting back, like an ox kicking against its owner's stick.' <a href="/isv/acts/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> "All of us fell to the ground, and I heard a voice asking me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me? It is hurting you to keep on kicking against the cattle prods.' <a href="/msb/acts/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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="/net/acts/26.htm">NET Bible</a> When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are hurting yourself by kicking against the goads.' <a href="/nheb/acts/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' <a href="/wbt/acts/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goads. <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> We all fell to the ground; and I heard a voice which said to me in Hebrew, "'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? You are finding it painful to kick against the ox-goad.' <a href="/web/acts/26.htm">World English Bible</a> When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? [It is] hard for you to kick against goads! <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And of all of us having fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' <a href="/ylt/acts/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul, why me dost thou persecute? hard for thee against pricks to kick! <a href="/slt/acts/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And we having all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul, why drivest thou me out? hard for thee to kick against goads.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when we were all fallen down on the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. <a href="/cpdv/acts/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when we had all fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad.’ <a href="/nabre/acts/26.htm">New American Bible</a> We all fell to the ground and I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad.’ <a href="/nrsvce/acts/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When we all fell to the ground, then I heard a voice speaking unto me, in the Hebrew tongue (Ar-a-ma’ic), Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the pricks. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And we all fell upon the ground, and I heard a voice, which said to me in Judean Aramaic, “Shaul, Shaul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick the goads.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying, in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads. <a href="/godbey/acts/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and we all having fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue, <FR>Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against goads.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/acts/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And as we were all fallen prostrate on the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saving in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is difficult for thee to kick against the goads. <a href="/mace/acts/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a> we were all struck down: when I heard a voice directed to me pronounce these words in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? it is dangerous for thee to kick against the goad." <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> We all fell to the ground; and I heard a voice which said to me in Hebrew, "'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? You are finding it painful to kick against the ox-goad.' <a href="/worrell/acts/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, <FR>'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/acts/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when we were all fallen down to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, <FR>Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? <Fr>It is<FR> hard for thee to kick against the goads.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/acts/26-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=8667" 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/26.htm">Paul's Testimony to Agrippa</a> …13About 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. 14<a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">We</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/2667.htm" title="2667: katapesontōn (V-APA-GMP) -- To fall down, fall prostrate. From kata and pipto; to fall down.">fell</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.">to</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēn (N-AFS) -- 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/191.htm" title="191: ēkousa (V-AIA-1S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">and I heard</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">a voice</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legousan (V-PPA-AFS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">say</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1446.htm" title="1446: Hebraidi (Adj-DFS) -- The Hebrew language, or rather: Aramaic. From Eber; the Hebraistic or Jewish language.">Hebrew,</a> <a href="/greek/1258.htm" title="1258: dialektō (N-DFS) -- Language, speech, conversation, manner of speaking. From dialegomai; a discourse, i.e. dialect."></a> <a href="/greek/4549.htm" title="4549: Saoul (N-VMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Saul, the Jewish name of Paul.">‘Saul,</a> <a href="/greek/4549.htm" title="4549: Saoul (N-VMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Saul, the Jewish name of Paul.">Saul,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">why</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">do you persecute</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me?</a> <a href="/greek/4642.htm" title="4642: sklēron (Adj-NNS) -- Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough.">It is hard</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">for you</a> <a href="/greek/2979.htm" title="2979: laktizein (V-PNA) -- To kick. From adverb lax; to recalcitrate.">to kick</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">against</a> <a href="/greek/2759.htm" title="2759: kentra (N-ANP) -- A sting, goad; met: of death. From kenteo; a point, i.e. A sting or goad.">the goads.’ </a> 15‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.…<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/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4-5</a> He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Acts 22:7-8</a> I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8</a> And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a> When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! <a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! <a href="/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3-4</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. / When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. <a href="/john/12-29.htm">John 12:29</a> The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. <a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Exodus 3:4</a> When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a> Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” <a href="/ezekiel/2-1.htm">Ezekiel 2:1</a> “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” <a href="/genesis/46-2.htm">Genesis 46:2</a> And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. <a href="/1_samuel/3-4.htm">1 Samuel 3:4-10</a> Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” / He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. / Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/22-7.htm">2 Samuel 22:7</a> In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me? it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.in.<a href="/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40</a> And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,<a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Acts 22:2</a> (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)Saul.<a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4,5</a> And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? … <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Acts 22:7-9</a> And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? … hard.<a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15</a> Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.<a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a> For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.<a href="/zechariah/12-2.htm">Zechariah 12:2</a> Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Aramaic</a> <a href="/acts/22-8.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Cruelly</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Dialect</a> <a href="/acts/19-13.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/acts/22-22.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/20-37.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Finding</a> <a href="/judges/3-31.htm">Goad</a> <a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Goads</a> <a href="/acts/25-10.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/acts/24-24.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Hurts</a> <a href="/acts/7-57.htm">Impulse</a> <a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Kick</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Language</a> <a href="/judges/3-31.htm">Ox-Goad</a> <a href="/micah/2-10.htm">Painful</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/acts/22-8.htm">Persecutest</a> <a href="/acts/22-8.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Pricks</a> <a href="/acts/22-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/acts/26-10.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/18-26.htm">Aramaic</a> <a href="/acts/26-15.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-9.htm">Cruelly</a> <a href="/acts/1-19.htm">Dialect</a> <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/27-29.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/romans/7-8.htm">Finding</a> <a href="/judges/3-31.htm">Goad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-21.htm">Goads</a> <a href="/acts/27-29.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/acts/28-15.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Hurts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-3.htm">Impulse</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-15.htm">Kick</a> <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Language</a> <a href="/judges/3-31.htm">Ox-Goad</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Painful</a> <a href="/acts/26-15.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/acts/26-15.htm">Persecutest</a> <a href="/acts/26-15.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/numbers/33-55.htm">Pricks</a> <a href="/genesis/36-37.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/romans/14-11.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 26</div>1. <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;</a> 12. <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.</a> 28. <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/26-31.htm">The whole company pronounces him innocent.</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/26.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/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>We all fell to the ground This phrase describes a collective experience during Saul's encounter with the divine on the road to Damascus. The act of falling to the ground signifies a response to a powerful, supernatural presence, often seen in biblical theophanies (e.g., <a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a>, <a href="/daniel/10-9.htm">Daniel 10:9</a>). It indicates reverence, fear, and the overwhelming nature of God's glory. This moment marks a pivotal transformation in Saul's life, leading to his conversion and subsequent mission as Paul the Apostle.and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew The use of Hebrew here emphasizes the personal and direct nature of God's communication with Saul. Hebrew, the sacred language of the Jewish people, underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and His ongoing revelation. This detail highlights Saul's Jewish heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, connecting the Old and New Testaments.‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ The repetition of Saul's name signifies urgency and personal address, a common biblical motif (e.g., <a href="/genesis/22-11.htm">Genesis 22:11</a>, <a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Exodus 3:4</a>). The question reveals the intimate connection between Jesus and His followers, as persecuting Christians equates to persecuting Christ Himself. This reflects the unity of the body of Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>) and emphasizes the seriousness of Saul's actions against the early Church.It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ This phrase uses an agricultural metaphor familiar to the ancient audience. Goads were sharp sticks used to direct oxen, and kicking against them would cause pain. The metaphor suggests Saul's resistance to God's will is futile and self-destructive. It implies divine sovereignty and the inevitability of God's plan, echoing themes of submission and transformation found throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a>, <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a>). Saul's conversion illustrates the transformative power of God's grace and the call to align with His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul/paul.htm">Saul/Paul</a> Originally known as Saul, he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted Christians. After his conversion, he became Paul, a leading apostle spreading the Gospel. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The voice speaking to Saul is identified as Jesus, who confronts Saul about his persecution of Christians, indicating that such actions are against Jesus Himself. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_road_to_damascus.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> This event occurs on the road to Damascus, where Saul was traveling to arrest Christians. It is a pivotal moment leading to his conversion. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_companions.htm">The Companions</a> Those traveling with Saul also fell to the ground, witnessing the event, though they did not hear the voice as Saul did. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_goads.htm">The Goads</a> A metaphor used by Jesus, referring to a sharp stick used to drive oxen, symbolizing the futility and pain of resisting divine will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a> God can intervene in the lives of even the most unlikely individuals, transforming them for His purposes. Saul's conversion is a testament to God's power and grace. <a href="/topical/r/resistance_to_god's_will.htm">Resistance to God's Will</a> The metaphor of "kicking against the goads" illustrates the futility and self-inflicted pain of resisting God's direction. Believers are encouraged to submit to God's will. <a href="/topical/p/personal_encounter_with_christ.htm">Personal Encounter with Christ</a> Saul's experience underscores the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus, which can lead to profound life changes. <a href="/topical/p/persecution_of_the_church.htm">Persecution of the Church</a> Persecuting believers is equated with persecuting Christ Himself, highlighting the unity between Jesus and His followers. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_and_mission.htm">Transformation and Mission</a> Saul's transformation into Paul demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His mission.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 26</a> <a href="/q/is_paul's_encounter_in_acts_26_14-15_real.htm">Is Paul’s reported encounter and voice from heaven in Acts 26:14–15 verifiable, or merely subjective experience? </a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'kick_against_the_pricks'.htm">What does "Kick Against the Pricks" mean?</a> <a href="/q/paul's_missionary_journeys.htm">What were Apostle Paul's missionary journeys?</a> <a href="/q/did_paul's_companions_fall_too.htm">When Paul saw the light he fell to the ground. Did his traveling companions also fall to the ground? Yes (Acts 26:14) No (Acts 9:7)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.--See Note on <a href="/acts/9-5.htm" title="And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.">Acts 9:5</a>. Here there is no doubt as to the genuineness of the reading.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Saying unto me in the Hebrew language for speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, A.V. and T.R.; goad for pricks, A.V. I heard a voice saying, etc. (see <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Acts 9:7</a>, note). In the Hebrew language. This is an additional detail not mentioned in <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4</a> or <a href="/acts/22-8.htm">Acts 22:8</a>; but recalled here, as tending to confirm St. Paul's claim to be a thorough Jew, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and, moreover, to represent Christianity as a thing not alien from, but rather in thorough harmony with, the true national life and spirit of Israel. It is hard for thee to kick, etc. This, also, according to the best manuscripts, is an additional detail not mentioned before. The proverb Πρὸς κέντρα λακτίζειν, to kick against the ox-goads, as the unbroken bullock does to his own hurt, instead of quietly submitting, as he must do at last, to go the way and the pace his master chooses he should go, is found in Pindar, AEschylus, Euripides, Plautus, Terence, etc. The passages are given in Bochart, 'Hierozoicon.,' part 1. lib. it. Acts 39; in Kninoel, and in Bishop Wordsworth. The passage in Eurip., 'Baach,' 1. 793, 794 (750, 751), brings out the force of the proverb, viz. fruitless resistance to a superior power, most distinctly: "Better to sacrifice to him, than, being mortal, by vainly raging against God, to kick against the goads." Saul had better yield at once to the constraining grace of God, and no longer do despite to the Spirit of grace. It does not appear clearly that the proverb was used by the Hebrews. Dr. Donaldson ('Christian Orthodoxy,' p. 293) affirms that" there is no Jewish use of this proverbial expression." And this is borne out by Lightfoot, who adduces the two passages, <a href="/deuteronomy/32-15.htm">Deuteronomy 32:15</a> and <a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">1 Samuel 2:9</a>, as the only evidences of the existence of such a proverb, together with a rabbinical saying, "R. Bibai sat and taught, and R. Isaac Ben Cahna kicked against him" ('Exereit. on Acts,' 9:5). It is, therefore, a curious question how this classical phrase came to be used here. Bishop Wordsworth says, "Even in heaven our Lord did not disdain to use a proverb familiar to the heathen world." But, perhaps, we may assume that such a proverb was substantially in use among the Jews, though no distinct evidence of it has been preserved; and that St. Paul, in rendering the Hebrew words of Jesus into Greek, made use of the language of Euripides, with which he was familiar, in a case bearing a strong analogy to his own, viz. the resistance of Pentheus to the claims of Bacchus. This is to a certain extent borne out by the use of the words θεομάχος and θεομαχεῖν (<a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39</a>; <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Acts 23:9</a>); the latter of which is twice used in the 'Bacchae' of Euripides, though not common elsewhere. It is, however, found in 2 Macc. 7:19. <a href="/commentaries/acts/26-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>We ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. all πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive 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. fell καταπεσόντων (katapesontōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2667.htm">Strong's 2667: </a> To fall down, fall prostrate. From kata and pipto; to fall down. to 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. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative 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, γῆν (gēn) Noun - Accusative 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. [and] I heard ἤκουσα (ēkousa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. a voice φωνὴν (phōnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. say λέγουσαν (legousan) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. to πρός (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. in τῇ (tē) Article - Dative 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. Aramaic, Ἑβραΐδι (Hebraidi) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1446.htm">Strong's 1446: </a> The Hebrew language, or rather: Aramaic. From Eber; the Hebraistic or Jewish language. ‘Saul, Σαοὺλ (Saoul) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4549.htm">Strong's 4549: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Saul, the Jewish name of Paul. Saul, Σαούλ (Saoul) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4549.htm">Strong's 4549: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Saul, the Jewish name of Paul. why τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do you persecute διώκεις (diōkeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. Me? με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [It is] hard σκληρόν (sklēron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4642.htm">Strong's 4642: </a> Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough. for you σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to kick λακτίζειν (laktizein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2979.htm">Strong's 2979: </a> To kick. From adverb lax; to recalcitrate. against πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. [the] goads.? κέντρα (kentra) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2759.htm">Strong's 2759: </a> A sting, goad; met: of death. From kenteo; a point, i.e. A sting or goad. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 26:14 When we had all fallen to (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/26-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 26:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 26:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/26-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 26:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 26:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>