Acts 15:29

Acts 15:29 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

King James Version KJV

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

American Standard Version ASV

that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To keep from things offered to false gods, and from blood, and from things put to death in ways which are against the law, and from the evil desires of the body; if you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. May you be happy.

Free Bible Version FBV

You should avoid: anything sacrificed to idols; blood; meat from strangled animals; and sexual immorality. You will do well to observe these requirements. God bless you.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That is, that ye abstaine from things offered to idoles, and blood, and that that is strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keepe your selues, ye shall doe well. Fare ye well.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

to abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!'

World English Bible WEB

that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That ye abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from lewdness: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Fare ye well.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which things keeping yourselves, you shall do well. Fare ye well.

Translation for Translators T4T

You should not eat food that people have sacrificed to idols. You should not eat blood from animals, and you should not eat meat from animals that people have killed by strangling them. Also, you should not have sex with someone to whom you are not married. Those things especially offend Jewish believers. So if you avoid doing them, you will be doing what is right. That is all.”

Plain English Version PEV

If somebody reckons that a statue is a god, and if they give food to that statue to show respect to it, don’t eat any of that food. – And don’t eat the blood of animals. – And if somebody holds an animal’s neck really tight to kill it, don’t eat its meat. – And don’t sleep with somebody that you are not married to, as if they are your wife or husband. Make sure you don’t do those things, and you will be all right. That’s our message to you now. Goodbye.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 15:29

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 15:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK απεχεσθαι ειδωλοθυτων και αιματος και πνικτου και πορνειας εξ ων διατηρουντες εαυτους ευ πραξετε ερρωσθε

απεχεσθαι apechō G568 to have in full Verb-PMN

ειδωλοθυτων eidōlothutos G1494 sacrificed to idols Adj-GPN

και kai G2532 and Conj

αιματος ahima G129 (Field of) Blood Noun-GSN

και kai G2532 and Conj

πνικτου pniktos G4156 strangled Adj-GSN

και kai G2532 and Conj

πορνειας porneia G4202 sexual sin Noun-GSF

εξ ek G1537 out from Prep

ων hos, hē G3739 which Rel-GPN

διατηρουντες diatēreō G1301 to keep Verb-PAP-NPM

εαυτους heautou G1438 themself F-2APM

ευ eu G2095 well/well done! Adv

πραξετε prassō G4238 to do/require Verb-FAI-2P

ερρωσθε rhōnnumi G4517 farewell Verb-RPM-2P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 15:29

απεχεσθαι apechō G568 "to have in full" Verb-PMN

This word means to have or receive something in full, as seen in Matthew 6:2. It can also mean to keep oneself away or be distant from something, and is often used in the context of receiving payment or reward. The word is used in different biblical contexts, including Jesus' teachings on giving and prayer.

Definition: ἀπ-έχω [in LXX chiefly for רָחַק ;] __1. trans., __(a) to hold back, keep off; __(b) to have in full, to have received (on the " punctiliar " force of the compound, see M, Pr., 109, 247): with accusative, Mat.6:2, 5 6:16, Luk.6:24, Php.4:18, Phm 15 (for illustr. from π., where it is used in receipts, see Deiss., BS, 229; LAE, 110 f.; MM, see word); impers., ἀπέχει (Field, Notes, 39), it is enough: Mrk.14:41. __2. Intrans., to be away, distant: absol., Luk.15:20; before ἀπό, Mat.14:24 15:8, Mrk.7:6, Luk.7:6 15:20 24:13. Mid., to abstain: with genitive, Act.15:29, 1Ti.4:3, 1Pe.2:11; before ἀπό, Act.15:20, 1Th.4:3 5:22.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: be, have, receive See also: 1 Peter 2:11; Luke 24:13; Philippians 4:18.

ειδωλοθυτων eidōlothutos G1494 "sacrificed to idols" Adj-GPN

This term refers to food that has been sacrificed to idols, mentioned in Acts 15:29 and 1 Corinthians 8:1. It describes meat offered to idols. In the Bible, it is associated with pagan worship.

Definition: εἰδωλόθυτος, -ον, (εἴδωλον, θύω), [in LXX: 4Ma.5:2 * ;] sacrificed to idols: τὸ, τὰ εἰ, Act.15:29 21:25, 1Co.8:1, 4 7, 10 10:19, Rev.2:14, 2o.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: (meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols See also: 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 10:28; Revelation 2:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

αιματος ahima G129 "(Field of) Blood" Noun-GSN

Blood, literally or figuratively, as in Mark 5:25 and John 1:13. It can refer to the atoning blood of Christ or kindred and bloodshed.

Definition: αἷμα, ατος, τό, [in LXX for דָּם ;] blood. __1. In the ordinary sense: Mrk.5:25, Luk.8:43,44 22:44, Jhn.19:34, Act.15:20,29 21:25, Rev.8:7,8 11:6 16:3,4,6 19:13. __2. In special senses: __(a) of generation, origin, kinship (cl.): Jhn.1:13 (see MM, VGT, see word); __(b) as in OT (AR on Eph, l.with), in the phrase σάρξ καὶ αἷ. (αἷ. κ. σ.), to indicate human nature as opposite to God and created spirits: Mat.16:17, 1Co.15:50, Gal.1:16, Eph.6:12, Heb.2:14; __(with) of things in colour resembling blood: Act.2:19,20, Rev.6:12 14:18-20. __(d) of bloodshed, a bloody death (cl.): Mat.23:30,35 27:4,6,8,24,25, Luk.11:50,51 13:1, Act.1:19 5:28 18:6 20:26 22:20, Heb.12:4, Rev.6:10 17:6 18:24 19:2 ; αἷ. ἐκχέειν (Deiss., LAE, 428; MM, VGT, see word, αἷ.), Rom.3:15, Rev.16:6; __(e) of sacrificial blood, as an expiation: Heb.9:7,12,13,18-22,25 10:4 11:28 13:11; of the blood of Christ, Mat.26:28, Mrk.14:24, Luk.22:20, Jhn.6:53,54,56, Act.20:28, Rom.3:25 5:9, 1Co.10:16 11:25,27, Eph.1:7 2:13, Col.1:20, Heb.9:12,14 10:19,29 12:24 13:20, 1Pe.1:2,19, 1Jn.1:7 (cf. 5:6,8), Rev.1:5 5:9 7:14 12:11. (Cremer, 69 f., 612 f.) † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 91 NT verses. KJV: blood See also: 1 Corinthians 10:16; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:2.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

πνικτου pniktos G4156 "strangled" Adj-GSN

Strangled, referring to an animal that has been choked to death, as mentioned in Acts 15:20 and 21:25.

Definition: πνικτός, -ή, -όν (πνίγω), strangled : Act.15:20, 29 21:25 (cf. Lev.17:13-14).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: strangled See also: Acts 15:20; Acts 15:29; Acts 21:25.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

πορνειας porneia G4202 "sexual sin" Noun-GSF

Sexual sin includes actions like adultery, incest, and idolatry, as mentioned in Acts 15:20 and 1 Corinthians 5:1. It's about immoral behavior that goes against God's design for human relationships. The Bible clearly condemns such actions.

Definition: πορνεία, -ας, ἡ (πορνεύω), [in LXX for תַּזְנוּת and cogn. forms ;] fornication: Act.15:20, 29 21:25, 1Co.5:1 6:13 6:18, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:19, Eph.5:3, Col.3:5, 1Th.4:3 (Lft., Notes, 53), Rev.9:21; pl. (see WM, 220; Bl., § 32, 6), 1Co.7:2; disting. from μοιχεία, Mat.15:19, Mrk.7:21; = μοιχεία (Amos 8:17 Sir.23:23, al.), Mat.5:32 19:9. Metaphorical (of idolatry: Deu.23:2, Hos.1:2): Jhn.8:41 (Westc., in l), and so perh. (Thayer-Grimm, see word; but see Swete, in 11.), Rev.2:21 14:18 17:2, 4 18:3 19:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: fornication See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; John 8:41; Revelation 2:21.

εξ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

ων hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-GPN

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

διατηρουντες diatēreō G1301 "to keep" Verb-PAP-NPM

To keep means to watch or observe something carefully, as in Luke 2:51 where Mary kept Jesus' words in her heart.

Definition: δια-τηρέω, -ῶ [in LXX for שָׁמַר, נָצַר, etc.; before ἀπό (for מִן), as in Psa.12:7 (8) ;] to keep carefully: Luk.2:51; before ἐκ, Act.15:29.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: keep See also: Acts 15:29; Luke 2:51.

εαυτους heautou G1438 "themself" F-2APM

This reflexive pronoun means 'themself' or 'themselves', referring back to the subject of a sentence, as in Matthew 27:42 and Luke 23:35.

Definition: ἑαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ, dative -ῷ, etc., accusative -όν, etc., pi. -ῶν, etc. (Att. contr. αὑτοῦ, etc); reflex pron.; __1. prop, of 3rd person (Lat. sui, sibi, se), of himself, herself, itself, etc.: Mat.27:42, Mrk.15:31, Luk.23:35, al.; added to a middle verb, διεμερίσαντο ἑαυτοῖς, Jhn.19:24; to an active verb, Act.14:14 (M, Pr., 157); ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Luk.12:57 21:30, Jhn.5:19, al. (see: ἀπό); δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Rom.14:14; ἐν ἑ., Mat.3:9, Mrk.5:30, al.; εἰς ἑ., Luk.15:17; καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Jas.2:17; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at his own house, 1Co.16:2; πρὸς ἑ., with, to himself, Luk.18:11; as poss. pron. (with emphasis weakened; see M, Pr., 87f.), τ. ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς, Luk.9:60. __2. As reflexive 1st and 2nd of person(s) (so also frequently in cl., chiefly poetry), Mat.23:31, Mrk.9:50, Rom.8:23, 1Th.2:8, al. __3. In pl., for reciprocal pron., ἀλλήλων, -οις, -ους, of one another, etc.: Mat.21:38, Mrk.16:3, Eph.5:19, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 306 NT verses. KJV: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:12.

ευ eu G2095 "well/well done!" Adv

In the Bible, this word means doing something well or good, like when Jesus said 'well done' to the faithful servants in Matthew 25:21. It is used to express approval or satisfaction, as seen in Mark 14:7.

Definition: εὖ adv. (prop. neuter of old Epic ἐΰς, good, noble) [in LXX, εὖ γίγνεσθαι, εὖ ποιεῖν (יָטַב) ;] well: εὖ γιν., Eph.6:3 (LXX); εὖ ποιεῖν, with dative (cf. Sir.12:1-2), to do good, Mrk.14:7 (where Nestle suggests εὐποιεῖν, which see); εὖ πράσστειν, to fare well, Act.15:29; in replies (= εὖγε), good! well done! Mat.25:21, 23 Luk.19:17 (εὖγε, WH, txt.).† εὖ-γε, adv., in replies, well! good! well done!: Luk.19:17 (WH for Rec. εὖ, which see).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: good, well (done) See also: Acts 15:29; Mark 14:7; Matthew 25:23.

πραξετε prassō G4238 "to do/require" Verb-FAI-2P

To do or require something means to perform it repeatedly or habitually, as seen in Acts 19:19 and Romans 7:15. It can also mean to achieve or accomplish something.

Definition: πράσσω (Att.. -ττω, and so Act.17:7 Rec.; cf. M, Pr., 25, 45), [in LXX chiefly for עָשָׂה, פָּעַל ;] = Lat agere, as ποιέω (which see) = facere, __1. to do, practise, be engaged in: Act.19:19, 36, 1Co.9:17; τ. ἴδια π., to mind one's own business (τὰ ἑαυτοῦ, Soph., Plat.), 1Th.4:11; intrans., to act, Act.17:7. __2. to achieve, effect, accomplish, perform: Act.26:20, 26 Rom.7:15 9:11, 2Co.5:10, Php.4:9; νόμον (ICC, in l), Rom.2:25; of unworthy acts (for WH. usually ποιέω in cl.), to commit, do: Luk.22:23 23:41, Jhn.3:20 5:29, Act.3:17 5:35 16:28 25:11, 25 26:9, 31, Rom.1:32 (ICC, in l), Rom.2:1-3 7:19 13:4, 1Co.5:2, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:21. __3. to transact, manage, hence, of payment, to exact (cl.): Luk.3:13 19:23. __4. Reflexively, of state or condition, to do or fare Æsch., Hdt., al.): Eph.6:21; εὖ π. (see M, Pr., 228 f.), Act.15:29.† SYN.: see: ποιέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts See also: 1 Corinthians 9:17; Galatians 5:21; Romans 1:32.

ερρωσθε rhōnnumi G4517 "farewell" Verb-RPM-2P

Farewell is a way of saying goodbye, wishing someone good health and strength, as in Acts 15:29. It's a parting phrase.

Definition: ῥώννυμι [in LXX: 2Ma.9:20 2Mac 11:21 2Mac 11:28 2Mac 11:33 2Mac 11:1-38; 3Ma.6:1-41 * ;] to strengthen; most frequently in pf., ἔρρωμαι, to put forth strength, be strong, hence, often in imperat., ἔρρωσο, ἔρρωσθε, farewell (Lat. vale): Act.15:29 23:30 Rec., R, mg.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: farewell See also: Acts 15:29; Acts 23:30.

Study Notes — Acts 15:29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 15:29 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 15:29
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 15:29
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 15:29
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 15:29
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 15:29
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 15:29
Cambridge Bible on Acts 15:29
Barnes' Notes on Acts 15:29
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 15:29
Sermons on Acts 15:29

Context — The Letter to the Gentile Believers

27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing. 28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

29You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

30So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. 31When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 15:20	Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.
2	Acts 21:25	As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”
3	Revelation 2:14	But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.
4	Revelation 2:20	But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
5	Leviticus 17:14	For the life of all flesh is its blood. Therefore I have told the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any living thing, because the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it must be cut off.’
6	1 Corinthians 10:18–20	Consider the people of Israel: Are not those who eat the sacrifices fellow partakers in the altar? Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.
7	Romans 14:20–21	Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.
8	Jude 1:24	Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—
9	1 John 5:21	Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
10	Romans 14:14–15	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.

Acts 15:29 Summary

[This verse is telling us to stay away from things that are not pleasing to God, such as food that has been used in idol worship, blood, and the meat of strangled animals, as well as sexual immorality. By avoiding these things, we can live a life that is holy and pure, and bring joy to God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. We are encouraged to heed these warnings and commands, as avoiding these things will bring spiritual health and well-being, as taught in Proverbs 4:20-27. By living in obedience to God's commands, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from following Him, as seen in Psalm 119:1-3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to abstain from food sacrificed to idols?

In the context of Acts 15:29, abstaining from food sacrificed to idols means not participating in or consuming food that has been dedicated to false gods or idols, as this could be seen as condoning or worshiping these idols, which is contrary to the teachings of the Bible, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 10:19-21.

Why are blood and the meat of strangled animals included in the list of things to abstain from?

The inclusion of blood and the meat of strangled animals in Acts 15:29 is likely due to the Jewish tradition of not consuming blood or animals that have not been properly drained of blood, as stated in Leviticus 17:10-14 and Deuteronomy 12:23-25, and also to avoid causing offense to Jewish believers who held to these traditions.

How does the command to abstain from sexual immorality relate to the other commands in this verse?

The command to abstain from sexual immorality in Acts 15:29 is a call to live a holy and pure life, just as the commands to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, and the meat of strangled animals are calls to live a life separate from worldly and idolatrous practices, as taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

What does the phrase 'You will do well to avoid these things' mean in this context?

The phrase 'You will do well to avoid these things' in Acts 15:29 is an encouragement to the believers to heed the warnings and commands given in this verse, as avoiding these things will bring spiritual health and well-being, and is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 4:20-27 and 1 Peter 3:10-12.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of abstaining from food sacrificed to idols in my own life, in terms of avoiding worldly influences and idolatrous practices?
In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to living a holy and pure life, as called for in the command to abstain from sexual immorality?
What are some potential consequences of not heeding the warnings and commands given in this verse, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
How can I balance the need to avoid offending others with the need to stand firm in my convictions and live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Acts 15:29 and Romans 14:13-23?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 15:29

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols,.... Which explains what is meant by pollutions of idols, Acts 15:20 and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication [See comments on Acts

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 15:29

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 15:29

Of these see more largely, . From meats offered to idols; they were wont to carry home and feast upon part of the sacrifices they had offered unto their false gods; nay, they did not, without reproach, eat of any greater beasts, (as oxen and sheep), but they always first offered some of them unto their idols. And it was accounted no small impiety to eat ayuta iera, part of any beasts which they had not first offered up to some or other of their gods. From blood; for this reason they might not eat of any thing that died of itself, as , because the blood was not gone out of it. From fornication; mentioned here, because so commonly practised amongst the Gentiles, and yet not esteemed a sin. Hence also, , the apostle lays a very great charge against it. Fare ye well; the ordinary apprecation wherewith their letters were concluded, in which they wished health and strength to the party they wrote unto: instead of which word, some ancient copies read, feromenoi en pneumati Agiw; which is rendered, Walk in the Holy Ghost; or, the Holy Ghost carrying, or enabling of you: a wish or prayer becoming these holy men that made it. They who have found the necessity of the Spirit’ s assistance, desire it above all things for such as they wish well unto.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 15:29

29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Ver. 29. And from fornication] Some Greek copies add, "and whatsoever ye would not should be done to you, that ye do not the same to others;" which is a general rule, and a foundation of the former. As for fornication, it is here reckoned among things indifferent, because the Gentiles held it so; as the Papists now account it a very small sin; but so did not the council. See 1 Corinthians 10:8; Hebrews 13:4. A learned man telleth us, that that impostor Mahomet hath (in an apish imitation of this decree of the holy synod) forbidden his followers the self-same things, saving that he nameth swine’ s flesh in the place of fornication.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 15:29

(29) From meats offered to idols.—The specific term takes the place of the more general word which St. James had used. The change, if the two words were not used, as is possible, as altogether equivalent, may be thought of as favouring the Gentiles by narrowing the prohibition to a single point. Fare ye well.—The closing salutation was, like the opening, a Greek and not a Hebrew one. It meets us again in Acts 23:30. Both were naturally used in a letter addressed to Greeks, and intended to be read by them and by Hellenistic Jews. It does not occur, however, in any of the Epistles of the New Testament. It is natural to ask, at the close of the great encyclical letter, in what relation it really stood to the life of the Apostolic Church. As a concordat between the contending parties it was framed, as has been said, with a sagacity that may well be looked on as inspired. But obviously it was not, and from the nature of the case could not be, more than that. The time had not come for proclaiming to the Church of Jerusalem the full width of St. Paul’s teaching (Galatians 2:2), and accordingly, though something may be read between the lines, the decree seems to treat the precepts of Noah as perpetually binding, places moral and positive obligations on the same footing, and leaves the ground on which they are “necessary” an open question. St. Paul, who had accepted it as a satisfactory settlement of the matter in debate, never refers to it, even when he is discussing the chief point with which the decree dealt (1 Corinthians 8-10). In his narrative of what passed on this occasion (Galatians 2:1-10) there is no mention of it. The private conference with the three great “pillars” of the Church was for him more than the decree of the synod, and he felt himself able to discuss the whole question again on different grounds, and with a more distinct reference to spiritual and ethical principles. It was wrong to eat things sacrificed to idols, not because the act of so eating in itself brought defilement, but because it might involve a participation in the sin of idolatry in the consciousness of the eater, or wound the conscience of the weaker brother who saw him eat. It was natural that those who lacked his largeness of view should become slaves to the letter of the rules long after the grounds on which they rested had ceased to exist, and so we find that the prohibition of blood was re-enforced in the so-called Apostolic Canons (c. 62), and in the fourth century by the Council of Gangra (c. 2), and in the seventh by that at Constantinople, known as in Trullo (c. 67), and continues to be the binding rule of the Greek Church still. In Africa and in Europe, however, truer views prevailed (August, cont. Faust. xxxii.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 15:29

Verse 29. Ye shall do well.] But, if they did not keep themselves from these things, they would do ill; that is, they would sin against God, whose Spirit had commanded them to keep from these things. And who can do any of these forbidden things, and keep either a guiltless or a tender conscience? Fare-well.] An old English form of expressing good wishes and good will. It is compounded of [Anglo-Saxon] to go, and [A.S.], much, well, very much. Go well, go prosperously!-tantamount with good speed! may you succeed well! may God direct you! Like to that other form of sound words, God be with you! corrupted now into good by to ye! And of the same meaning with adieu! a Dieu, to God; that is, I commend you to God. All these terms savour not only of good will, or benevolence, but also of piety. Our pious ancestors believed that nothing was safe, nothing protected, nothing prosperous, over which the shield of God was not extended; and, therefore, in their familiar good wishes, they gave each other to God. The Greek word ερρωσθε, errhosthe, here used, from ρωννυμι, to strengthen, make strong, has nearly the same signification: be strong, courageous, active, be in health, and be prosperous! What a pity that such benevolent and pious wishes should degenerate into cool formalities, or unmeaning compliments!

Cambridge Bible on Acts 15:29

29. ye shall do well] Not “ye shall be doing what is right,” but “it shall be well with you” (R.V.), “you shall be in a good state.”Fare ye well] This termination and the greeting at the commencement of the letter are in the style of Western epistolary language. See above on Acts 15:23.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 15:29

From meats offered to idols - This explains what is meant by “pollutions of idols,” Acts 15:20. Ye shall do well - You will do what ought to be done in regard to the subjects of dispute.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 15:29

29. Fare ye well—The ordinary close of a letter anciently, χαιρειν. Be ye in health and vigour.

Sermons on Acts 15:29

	Sermon	Description
	Enjoying God's Grace - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own spiritual journey and cannot rely on a set of rules to save them. They explain that when Je
	Day 54, Acts 15 by David Servant	David Servant preaches on the similarities between Acts 15 and Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the issue of circumcision and the Law of Moses faced by the early church.
	The Food Question by T. Austin-Sparks	The preacher delves into the spiritual significance of idols, primarily derived from the Septuagint, where idols are considered products of fantasy and human hands, lacking any rea
	The Life Under Grace by Lewis Sperry Chafer	Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the distinction between the teachings of grace and the law, emphasizing that grace provides a perfect salvation and instruction for the daily lif
	A Sneak Attack (Part 3) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing for Jesus and not giving in to temptation, even when others may mock or ridicule. The speaker encourages the audie
	The Vow of the Nicolaitan Bride by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going beyond personal convenience in order to fulfill God's plans for our lives. He quotes the scripture where Paul urges
	The Church - God's Anointed Servant by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to move beyond simply observing and rejoicing about the presence of God, and instead fully immerse themselves in His p