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There are four men with us who have made a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Here’s what we want you to do. We have four men here who have completed their vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do this that we say to you. With us there are four men, having a vow on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, do as we tell you: we have four men who have a vow upon themselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do just what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have made a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have obligated themselves with a vow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Please do what we ask, because four of our men have made special promises to God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So follow our advice. We have four men who have made a vow to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This is what we want you to do. There are four men here who have taken a vow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Do therefore this that we say to thee: we have four men who have a vow on them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />so do this which we now tell you. We have four men here who have a vow resting on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />This, therefore, that we say to you, do. We have four men having a vow on themselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore do this that we say to you. With us there are four men, having a vow on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'This, therefore, do that we say to thee: We have four men having a vow on themselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Therefore do this which we say to thee: Four men are to us having a vow upon them;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Do therefore this that we say to thee. We have four men, who have a vow on them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, do this thing that we ask of you: We have four men, who are under a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do, therefore, what we tell you: We have four men who have vowed to purify themselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Do what we tell you; we have four men who have vowed to purify themselves.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Do, therefore, this which we advise you. We have four men who have a vow on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore do this which we tell thee. There are four men among us having a vow upon them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Do this therefore which we say to thee: we have four men, who have a vow upon themselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />yield then to our advice: there are four men here, who have made a vow:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />so do this which we now tell you. We have four men here who have a vow resting on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Do this, therefore, which we say to you: we have four men who have a vow on them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Do this therefore, which we advise thee. <i>Here</i> are four men with us, that have a vow upon them: take these and be purified with them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/21-23.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=7134" 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/21.htm">Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>What then should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēson (V-AMA-2S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">do</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legomen (V-PIA-1P) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">we advise</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">There are</a> <a href="/greek/5064.htm" title="5064: tessares (Adj-NMP) -- Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.">four</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andres (N-NMP) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">men</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">with us</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: eph’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. "></a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. "></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">who have taken</a> <a href="/greek/2171.htm" title="2171: euchēn (N-AFS) -- From euchomai; properly, a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation.">a vow.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth to these rumors about you, but that you also live in obedience to the law.…<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="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-21</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, / he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. / All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Acts 18:18</a></span><br />Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1-29</a></span><br />Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. / Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3</a></span><br />Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20</a></span><br />To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Galatians 2:3-5</a></span><br />Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. / This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. / We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1-6</a></span><br />Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9-13</a></span><br />Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. / For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? / So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5</a></span><br />But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-17.htm">Acts 24:17-18</a></span><br />After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. / At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Acts 20:16</a></span><br />Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-8.htm">Acts 25:8</a></span><br />Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Acts 28:17</a></span><br />After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-18</a></span><br />Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13-15</a></span><br />Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. / I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. / If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men which have a vow on them;</p><p class="hdg">We have.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Acts 18:18</a></b></br> And Paul <i>after this</i> tarried <i>there</i> yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn <i>his</i> head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Numbers 6:2-7</a></b></br> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate <i>themselves</i> to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate <i>themselves</i> unto the LORD: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/21-9.htm">Four</a> <a href="/acts/2-30.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/acts/19-13.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Vow</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/21-38.htm">Four</a> <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-12.htm">Vow</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-13.htm">he will not be dissuaded from going thither.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-17.htm">He comes to Jerusalem;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-27.htm">where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/21-37.htm">and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.</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/21.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/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore do what we advise you.</b><br>This phrase indicates a directive given to Paul by the elders in Jerusalem. The context is a tense situation where Paul is being advised on how to address concerns among Jewish believers who are zealous for the law. The elders' advice is meant to demonstrate Paul's respect for Jewish customs, despite his mission to the Gentiles. This reflects the early church's struggle to balance Jewish traditions with the new covenant in Christ. The use of "we advise you" suggests a collective decision, emphasizing the importance of unity and counsel within the church leadership.<p><b>There are four men with us</b><br>The mention of "four men" indicates a specific group within the Jerusalem church. These men are likely Jewish Christians who are still observing traditional Jewish practices. The number four may not have specific symbolic significance here, but it underscores the communal aspect of the vow they have taken. This reflects the early church's diversity, where Jewish customs were still practiced by some believers. The presence of these men with the elders suggests their involvement in a communal religious act, highlighting the continued observance of Jewish customs among early Christians.<p><b>who have taken a vow.</b><br>The vow referred to is likely a Nazirite vow, as described in <a href="/numbers/6.htm">Numbers 6:1-21</a>. This vow involved abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead, as a sign of dedication to God. The completion of such a vow often included a purification ritual and offering sacrifices at the temple. This practice was a way for Jewish Christians to express their piety and commitment to God. The mention of the vow indicates the ongoing relevance of Jewish customs in the early church and Paul's willingness to participate in them to maintain peace and unity among believers. This act can be seen as a type of Christ's fulfillment of the law, as Paul seeks to bridge the gap between Jewish tradition and the new covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who is central to the events in <a href="/bsb/acts/21.htm">Acts 21</a>. He is in Jerusalem and is being advised by the elders of the church.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a></b><br>- The leader of the Jerusalem church, who, along with the elders, is advising Paul on how to address concerns among Jewish believers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a></b><br>- Church leaders in Jerusalem who are concerned about the rumors regarding Paul's teachings and are advising him on how to demonstrate his respect for the Jewish law.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_four_men.htm">The Four Men</a></b><br>- Jewish believers who have taken a Nazirite vow, which involves abstaining from wine, not cutting their hair, and other specific practices as a sign of dedication to God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>- The city where these events take place, a central location for early Christianity and a hub of Jewish religious life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_cultural_practices.htm">Respect for Cultural Practices</a></b><br>Paul’s willingness to participate in the Jewish vow demonstrates respect for cultural and religious practices, even when they are not required for salvation. This teaches us the importance of being sensitive to the cultural contexts of others in our ministry and witness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_church.htm">Unity in the Church</a></b><br>The advice given to Paul by the elders highlights the importance of maintaining unity within the church. It reminds us to be mindful of how our actions and teachings might affect the faith of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>The elders’ counsel to Paul shows the value of wise and strategic leadership in addressing potential conflicts within the church. Leaders today can learn from this example to seek God’s wisdom and counsel from others when making decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_our_faith.htm">Living Out Our Faith</a></b><br>The actions of the four men taking a vow reflect a deep commitment to living out their faith. This challenges us to consider how we can demonstrate our dedication to God in our daily lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/acts_18_18_-_evidence_for_paul's_vow_ritual.htm">Acts 18:18 – Is there any archaeological or historical support for Paul’s vow and hair-shaving practice, suggesting a Jewish or pagan ritual influence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_paul's_ritual_conflict_with_faith_alone.htm">Acts 21:17–26 – Does Paul’s participation in Jewish purification rituals conflict with the New Testament teaching on salvation by faith alone? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_votive_offering.htm">What is a votive offering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_allow_violent_vows.htm">How could an all-knowing God condone vows leading to violence against families and communities (Judges 21:1-11)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">We have four men which have a vow on them.</span>--The advice was eminently characteristic. (1) It came from one who himself lived as bound by the Nazarite vow. "No razor came upon his head, and he drank neither wine nor strong drink" (Hegesippus in Euseb. <span class= "ital">Hist.</span> ii. 23). By connecting himself with such a vow St. Paul would show that he was content in these matters to follow in the footsteps of St. James, that he looked upon the observance of the Nazarite vow, if not as binding, at any rate as right and praise worthy. (2) It is obvious that St. Paul's conduct on his last visit to Jerusalem had furnished a precedent for the line of action now recommended. He had then come as a Nazarite himself; had in that character burnt the hair which he had cut off at Cenchreae (see Note on <a href="/acts/18-18.htm" title="And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brothers, and sailed there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.">Acts 18:18</a>), and had offered the accustomed sacrifices. Why should he not repeat the process now? There was, however, this difficulty: the minimum period of the Nazarite vow was for thirty days, and as St. Paul had not taken the vow previous to the advice, and probably wished to leave Jerusalem soon after the feast was over (<a href="/acts/19-21.htm" title="After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.">Acts 19:21</a>), it was out of his power to fulfil it now in its completeness. Jewish usage, however, made an intermediate course feasible. A man might attach himself to a Nazarite, or company of Nazarites, join in the final process of purification, which lasted, probably, for seven days (<a href="/numbers/6-9.htm" title="And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he has defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.">Numbers 6:9</a>), shaving his head, and offering sacrifices with them. This was considered in itself a devout act, especially if the new comer defrayed the cost of the sacrifices. Agrippa I., for instance, had in this way gained credit with the Jews, as showing his reverence for the Law (Jos. <span class= "ital">Wars, </span>ii. 15, ? 1). It is clear that the four men were members of the Church of Jerusalem, and the fact is interesting as showing how intensely Jewish that church still was in its observances.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Which have a vow</span>; meaning emphatically the vow of a Nazarite. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/21-23.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">Therefore</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποίησον</span> <span class="translit">(poiēson)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">we advise</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγομεν</span> <span class="translit">(legomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you.</span><br /><span class="grk">σοι</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">There are</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσὶν</span> <span class="translit">(eisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">four</span><br /><span class="grk">τέσσαρες</span> <span class="translit">(tessares)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5064.htm">Strong's 5064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄνδρες</span> <span class="translit">(andres)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with us</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<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">who have taken</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχοντες</span> <span class="translit">(echontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a vow.</span><br /><span class="grk">εὐχὴν</span> <span class="translit">(euchēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2171.htm">Strong's 2171: </a> </span><span class="str2">From euchomai; properly, a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/21-23.htm">Acts 21:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/21-23.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 21:23 Therefore do what we tell you (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/21-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 21:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 21:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/21-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 21:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 21:24" /></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>