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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.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/20-33.htm" title="Acts 20:33">◄</a> Acts 20:34 <a href="/acts/20-35.htm" title="Acts 20:35">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my needs and to those being with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands served my <i>own</i> needs and the men who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my <i>own</i> needs and to the men who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my <i>own</i> needs and to those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You know personally that these hands ministered to my own needs [working in manual labor] and to [those of] the people who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that I worked with my own hands to support myself and those who are with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs and for those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You know how I have worked with my own hands to make a living for myself and my friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You know that I worked to support myself and those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You yourselves know that I have worked with these hands of mine to provide everything that my companions and I have needed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You yourselves know that I worked with my own hands to support myself and those who were with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine provided for my needs and the needs of those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided for my own necessities and for the people with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you yourselves know that to my necessities, and to those who were with me, these hands ministered;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my needs and to those being with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and ye yourselves know that to my necessities, and to those who were with me, minister did these hands;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ye yourselves know, that to my necessities, and to those being with me, these hands served.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />You yourselves know: for such things as were needful for me and them that are with me, these hands have furnished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />as you yourselves know. For that which was needed by me and by those who are with me, these hands have provided.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Indeed you yourselves know, that my own hands have provided for my needs and for those who have been with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And you know that these my hands have ministered to my needs and to those who were with me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />you yourselves know, that these hands did minister to my necessities, and those along with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />but ye yourselves know that these hands have by labour furnished necessaries for my own wants, and for those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />you yourselves can witness, that what was necessary for myself and those who were with me, these very hands have supply'd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided for my own necessities and for the people with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and ye yourselves know that these hands have ministred to my necessities, and to those that were with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/20-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=6893" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">33</span>I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. <span class="reftext">34</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autoi (PPro-NM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">You yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskete (V-PIA-2P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautai (DPro-NFP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheires (N-NFP) -- A hand. ">hands of mine</a> <a href="/greek/5256.htm" title="5256: hypēretēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- To minister to, serve. From huperetes; to be a subordinate, i.e. subserve.">have ministered to</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">own</a> <a href="/greek/5532.htm" title="5532: chreiais (N-DFP) -- From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.">needs</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and those of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">my companions.</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. "></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">35</span>In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a></span><br />Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7-8</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, / nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">1 Corinthians 9:6-15</a></span><br />Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living? / Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? / Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-14.htm">Philippians 4:14-16</a></span><br />Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. / And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a></span><br />And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">2 Corinthians 12:14</a></span><br />See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br />If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-16.htm">Proverbs 31:16-20</a></span><br />She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. / She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. / She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a></span><br />There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a></span><br />Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></span><br />By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me.</p><p class="hdg">that these.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a></b></br> And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a></b></br> And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a></b></br> For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/acts/19-26.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/13-5.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/acts/19-22.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/acts/19-36.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/acts/2-45.htm">Necessities</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Served</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-7.htm">Supplied</a> <a href="/acts/4-35.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/acts/20-30.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/21-8.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/24-23.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/acts/28-10.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Necessities</a> <a href="/acts/21-22.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Served</a> <a href="/acts/28-10.htm">Supplied</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-7.htm">He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-13.htm">Paul continues his travels;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-17.htm">and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">commits God's flock to them,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">warns them of false teachers,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-32.htm">commends them to God,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-36.htm">prays with them, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You yourselves know</b><br>Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, emphasizing their personal knowledge of his actions. This phrase underscores the transparency and accountability in Paul's ministry. It reflects the importance of a leader's integrity and the witness of a community to one's conduct, as seen in <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>.<p><b>that these hands of mine</b><br>Paul refers to his own physical labor, likely his tent-making trade (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a>). This highlights the dignity of work and self-sufficiency, aligning with Jewish cultural values and the rabbinic tradition where rabbis often had a trade. It also serves as a model for Christian leaders to avoid being a financial burden on others.<p><b>have ministered to my own needs</b><br>Paul's self-support through manual labor demonstrates his commitment to not being a financial burden on the church. This practice is consistent with his teachings in <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7-9</a>, where he encourages believers to work diligently and responsibly.<p><b>and those of my companions.</b><br>Paul not only provided for himself but also for his fellow workers, showing a communal and sacrificial aspect of his ministry. This reflects the early Christian community's values of sharing and supporting one another, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>. It also exemplifies Christ's teaching of serving others, as in <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, emphasizing his self-sufficiency and dedication to the ministry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesian_elders.htm">Ephesian Elders</a></b><br>Leaders of the church in Ephesus, whom Paul is addressing in his farewell speech.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A significant city in Asia Minor where Paul spent considerable time preaching and establishing the church.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_companions.htm">Paul's Companions</a></b><br>Fellow workers and believers who traveled with Paul and assisted in his missionary work.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_ministry.htm">Paul's Ministry</a></b><br>The broader context of Paul's missionary journeys, during which he often supported himself through tent-making.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dignity_of_labor.htm">The Dignity of Labor</a></b><br>Paul exemplifies the value of hard work and self-sufficiency, showing that ministry and manual labor can coexist.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/model_of_selflessness.htm">Model of Selflessness</a></b><br>By providing for his own needs, Paul demonstrates a selfless approach to ministry, prioritizing the well-being of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_ministry.htm">Integrity in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul's actions reinforce the importance of integrity and transparency in leadership, avoiding any appearance of exploiting the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_serve.htm">Encouragement to Serve</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to serve others, using their skills and resources to support the community and the work of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>While Paul worked with his hands, he ultimately relied on God's provision and strength, a reminder for believers to trust in God's faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_acts_and_paul's_letters_differ.htm">Why does the Book of Acts contradict Paul's letters in describing his conversion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_compares_to_me.htm">Who was Aristarchus in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_one_act_bar_moses_from_canaan.htm">Numbers 20:12 - Why would a single act of disobedience prevent Moses and Aaron from entering the Promised Land, despite their lifelong dedication?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_'shepherd'_in_zech._13_7.htm">Zechariah 13:7 - Who is the 'shepherd' in this verse, and why does the text imply that God himself would strike him, which seems contradictory to other passages?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) <span class= "bld">These hands have ministered unto my necessities.</span>--The words clearly cover the whole three years of the Apostle's ministry at Ephesus. The partnership with Aquila and Priscilla (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm" title="And because he was of the same craft, he stayed with them, and worked: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.">Acts 18:3</a>) continued. Philemon was probably a sharer in it (<a href="/philemon/1-17.htm" title="If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.">Philemon 1:17</a>). And the Apostle had not been satisfied with working for himself, but ministered also to "those who were with him." His teaching in <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm" title="For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.">2Thessalonians 3:10</a> makes it improbable that he would have thus laboured to maintain others who were able-bodied in idleness, and the words that immediately follow make it almost certain that we must confine the statement to those who were suffering from infirmity. In <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm" title="And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:">1Corinthians 4:12</a>, written, it will be remembered, from Ephesus, we have an undesigned coincidence confirming the statement.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 34.</span> <span class="accented">- Ye</span> for <span class="accented">yea ye</span>, A.V. and T.R.; <span class="accented">ministered</span> for <span class="accented">have ministered</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">These hands</span> (see <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a>, written from Ephesus a few months before). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/20-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">You yourselves</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(autoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκετε</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these</span><br /><span class="grk">αὗται</span> <span class="translit">(hautai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">hands [of mine]</span><br /><span class="grk">χεῖρες</span> <span class="translit">(cheires)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">have ministered to</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπηρέτησαν</span> <span class="translit">(hypēretēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5256.htm">Strong's 5256: </a> </span><span class="str2">To minister to, serve. From huperetes; to be a subordinate, i.e. subserve.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[own]</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">needs</span><br /><span class="grk">χρείαις</span> <span class="translit">(chreiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and [those of]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">my companions.</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/20-34.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands served (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/20-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 20:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 20:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 20:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 20:35" /></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>