Acts 16:23

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Acts 16:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.

King James Version KJV

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

American Standard Version ASV

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when they had given them a great number of blows, they put them in prison, giving orders to the keeper of the prison to keep them safely:

Free Bible Version FBV

After giving them a severe beating, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them locked up.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into prison, commaunding the Iayler to keepe them surely.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

many blows also having laid upon them, they cast them to prison, having given charge to the jailor to keep them safely,

World English Bible WEB

When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the gaoler to keep them diligently.

Translation for Translators T4T

So the soldiers beat Paul and Silas vigorously with rods. After that, they took them and shoved them into the prison. They told the jailer that he should lock them up securely.

Plain English Version PEV

So the soldiers hit Paul and Silas really hard with sticks, and then they put them in the jail. They told the boss over that jail, “Make sure Paul and Silas don’t get away.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 16:23

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 16:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK πολλας τε επιθεντες αυτοις πληγας εβαλον εις φυλακην παραγγειλαντες τω δεσμοφυλακι ασφαλως τηρειν αυτους

πολλας polus G4183 much Adj-APF

τε te G5037 and/both Particle

επιθεντες epitithēmi G2007 to put/lay on Verb-2AAP-NPM

αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM

πληγας plēgē G4127 plague/blow/wound Noun-APF

εβαλον ballō G906 to throw: throw Verb-2AAI-3P

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

φυλακην phulakē G5438 prison/watch: prison Noun-ASF

παραγγειλαντες parangellō G3853 to order Verb-AAP-NPM

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM

δεσμοφυλακι desmophulax G1200 jailer Noun-DSM

ασφαλως asphalōs G806 securely Adv

τηρειν tēreō G5083 to keep: observe Verb-PAN

αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 16:23

πολλας polus G4183 "much" Adj-APF

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

Definition: πολύς, πολλή, πολύ, [in LXX chiefly for רַב and cognate forms ;] __1. as adj., much, many, great, of number, space, degree, value, time, etc.: ἀριθμός, Act.11:21; ὄχλος, Mrk.5:24; θερισμός, Mat.9:37; χόρτος, Jhn.6:10; χρόνος, Mat.25:19; γογγυσμός, Jhn.7:12; πόνος, Col.4:13; δόξα, Mat.24:30; σιγή, Act.21:40; pl., προφῆται, Mat.13:17; ὄχλοι, Mat.4:25; δαιμόνια, Mrk.1:34; δυνάμεις, Mat.7:22, __2. As subst., pl. masc, πολλοί, many (persons): Mat.7:22, Mrk.2:2, al.; with genitive partit., Mat.3:7, Luk.1:16, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.7:31, Act.17:12; with art., οἱ π., the many, Mat.24:12, Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:17, 33 2Co.2:17; opposite to ὁ εἶς (Lft., Notes, 291), Rom.5:15, 19; neut. pl., πολλά: Mat.13:3, Mrk.5:26, al.; accusative with adverbial force, Mrk.1:45, Rom.16:6 (Deiss., LAE, 317), 1Co.16:12, Jas.3:2, al.; neut. sing., πολύ: Luk.12:48; adverbially, Mrk.12:27, al.; πολλοῦ (genitive pret.), Mat.26:9; with compar. (Bl., §44, 5), π. σπουδαιότερον, 2Co.8:22; πολλῷ πλείους, Jhn.4:41. Compar., πλείων, neut., πλεῖον and πλέον (see WH, App., 151), pl., πλείονες, -ας, -α, contr., πλείους, -ω (cf. Mayser, 69), more, greater; __1. as adj.: Jhn.15:2, Act.18:2o, Heb.3:3; before παρά, Heb.11:4 (cf. Westc, in l. Was ΠΛΙΟΝΑ here a primitive error for ΗΔΙΟΝΑ ?); pi., Act.13:31, al.; with genitive compar., Mat.21:36; with num. (ἤ of comp. omitted), Act.4:22 24:11, al. __2. As subst., οἱ π., the greater number: Act.10:32 27:12, 1Co.10:5 15:6; also (Bl., §44, 3) others, more, the more: 2Co.2:6 4:15, Php.1:14; πλείονα, Luk.11:53; πλειον, πλέον, Mat.20:10, 2Ti.3:9; with genitive comp., Mk 12:43, Luk.21:3; π. Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε, Mat.12:41; adverbially, Act.4:17 20:9 24:4. __3. As adv., πλεῖον: before ἤ, Luk.9:13; with genitive comp., Mat.5:20; πλείω: with num., Mat.26:53. Superl., πλεῖστος, -η, -ον, __(a) prop., most: Mat.11:20 21:8; adverbially, τὸ π., 1Co.14:27; __(b) elative (M, Pr., 79), very great: ὄχλος π., Mrk.4:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 386 NT verses. KJV: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 23:21; 1 Peter 1:3.

τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle

A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.

Definition: τέ, enclitic copulative particle (= Lat. -que as καί = and, ac, atque, not very frequently in NT, more than two-thirds of the occurrences being in Ac. __1. τέ solitarium, and, denoting a closer affinity than καί between words and sentences which it connects (BL, §77, 8): Mat.28:12, Jhn.4:42, Act.2:33, 37 40 10:22 11:21, al. __2. Denoting a closer connection than simple καί, τὲ . . . καί, τὲ καί, τὲ . . . τέ (Act.26:16 Rom.14:8), as well . . . as also, both . . . and: Luk.12:45, Act.1:1 15:9, 21:30, al.; τὲ . . . δέ, and . . . and, Act.19:2; τὲ γάρ . . . ὁμοίως δὲ καί, Rom.1:26, 27. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.

επιθεντες epitithēmi G2007 "to put/lay on" Verb-2AAP-NPM

This word means to put or lay something on someone, like in Matthew 27:29 where a crown of thorns was placed on Jesus.

Definition: ἐπι-τίθημι [in LXX for נָתַן, שָׁוָה, etc. ;] __1. to lay, set or place upon: with accusative of thing(s), before ἐπί, with accusative of thing(s), Mat.23:4, Luk.15:5, Jhn.9:6 (WH, txt. Jhn.9:15), Act.15:10 28:3; ἐπί, with genitive of thing(s), Mat.27:29; ἐν, ib.; with dative of person(s), σταυρόν, Luk.23:26; στέφανον, Jhn.19:2; ὄνομα, Mrk.3:16-17; πληγάς, Luk.10:30, Act.16:23; ἐπί with accusative of person(s), Rev.22:18; of the laying on of hands, τ. χεῖρα (-ας), before ἐπί with accusative of person(s), Mat.9:18, Mrk.16:13, Act.8:17 9:17; with dative of person(s), Mat.19:13, 15, Mrk.5:23 6:5 7:32 8:23, Luk.4:40 13:13, Act.6:6 8:19 9:12 13:3 19:6 28:8, 1Ti.5:22. Mid., __(a) to provide: Act.28:10 (RV, put on board; cf. Field, Notes, 149); __(b) to throw oneself upon, attack: with dative of person(s), Act.18:10. __2. to add to: Rev.22:18 (see supr., and cf. Swete, in l).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound See also: 1 Timothy 5:22; Luke 13:13; Revelation 22:18.

αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

πληγας plēgē G4127 "plague/blow/wound" Noun-APF

This word means a blow, wound, or plague, like the wounds Jesus received, as seen in Revelation 13:3. It can also mean a calamity or disaster. In the Bible, it's used to describe physical harm or suffering.

Definition: πληγή, ῆς, ἡ (πλήσσω), [in LXX chiefly for מַכָּה, also for מַגֵּפָה etc. ;] __1. a blow, stripe, wound: pl., Luk.10:30 12:48, Act.16:23, 33, 2Co.6:5 11:23; ἡ π. τ. θανάτου (RV, death-stroke), Rev.13:3, 12; τ. μαχαίρας, Rev.13:14. __2. Metaphorical, a calamity, plague: Rev.9:18, 20 11:6 15:1, 6 15:8 16:9, 21 18:4, 8 21:9 22:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: plague, stripe, wound(-ed) See also: 2 Corinthians 6:5; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 9:18.

εβαλον ballō G906 "to throw: throw" Verb-2AAI-3P

To throw something with force, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and 10:34, where Jesus talks about throwing a net and a sword. It can also mean to pour or lay something down. In the Bible, it is used in various contexts, including throwing out demons or laying down one's life.

Definition: βάλλω, [in LXX for נפל, שׂום, ידד, etc. ;] prop., of a weapon or missile; then generally, of things and persons, lit. and metaphorically, to throw, cast, put, place: with accusative, before εἰς, Mat.4:18, and frequently ἐπί, Mat.10:34; κάτω, Mat.4:6; ἔξω, Mat.5:13; ἀπό, Mat.5:29; ἐκ, Mrk.12:44; δρέπανον, Rev.14:19; μάχαιραν, Mat.10:34; κλῆρον, Mat.27:35; of fluids, to pour: Mat.9:17, Jhn.13:5; pass., to be laid, to lie ill: Mat.9:2; ἐβλήθη (timeless aor., M, Pr., 134), Jhn.15:6; intrans., to rush (Bl., §53, 1): Act.27:14. Metaphorical, β. εἰς τ. καρδίαν, Jhn.13:2 (cf. usage in π., without idea of violence; also of liquids; MM, Exp., x; see also Cremer, 120, 657; cf. ἀμφι-, ἀνα-, ἀντι-, ἀπο-, δια-, ἐκ-, ἐμ-, παρ-εμ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, μετα-, παρα-, περι-, προ-, συμ-, ὑπερ-, ὑπο-βάλλω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 108 NT verses. KJV: arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust See also: 1 John 4:18; Mark 15:24; James 3:3.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

φυλακην phulakē G5438 "prison/watch: prison" Noun-ASF

This word refers to a prison, guard, or watch, like in Acts 12:10 where Peter was held in prison by King Herod's guards. It can also mean a place of protection or a time of vigilance, as in Luke 2:8 where shepherds kept watch over their flocks.

Definition: φυλακή, -ῆς, ἡ (φυλάσσω) [in LXX chiefly for מִשְׁמֶרֶת and cogn. forms, also for כֶּלֶא etc. ;] __(a) actively, a guarding, guard, watch (Hom., Plat., Xen., al.): cogn. accusative, φυλάσσειν φυλακάς, to keep watch, Luk.2:8; __(b) of those who keep watch (as also Lat. custodia), a guard; pl., sentinels, a guard (Hom., al.): Act.12:10; __(with) of the place where persons are kept under guard, a prison (Hdt., Thuc., al.): Mat.14:10, Mrk.6:17, Luk.3:20, Act.5:19, 2Co.6:5, 1Pe.3:19, Rev.18:2, al.; __(d) of the time during which guard was kept by night (Lest. vigilia; Anthol.), a watch: Mat.14:25 24:43, Mrk.6:48, Luk.12:38 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch See also: 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 3:20; Hebrews 11:36.

παραγγειλαντες parangellō G3853 "to order" Verb-AAP-NPM

To order or command someone to do something, as seen in Acts 15:5 and 1 Corinthians 11:17. This word means to transmit a message or instruction. It is used when Jesus gives commands to his disciples in Matthew 10:5.

Definition: παρ-αγγέλλω (παρά, ἀγγὲλλω), [in LXX for שָׁמַע pi., hi., etc. ;] __1. to transmit a message (Æsch., Eur.). __2. to order, command (Hdt., Xen., al.) : with inf., Act.15:5; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.11:17, 2Th.3:4, 1Ti.4:11 5:7; before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207; Bl., § 69, 4), Mrk.6:8, 2Th.3:12; with dative of person(s), Act.17:30 R, txt., 1Th.4:11; before λέγων, Mat.10:5; with inf. aor., Mat.15:35, Mrk.8:6, Luk.8:29, Act.10:42 16:18 (aoristic pres.; see M, Pr., 119); id. with neg., μή, Luk.5:14 8:56, Act.23:22, 1Co.7:10; with inf. pres., Act.16:23, 2Th.3:6; id. with neg., ιή, Luk.9:21, Act.1:4 4:18 5:28, 40, 1Ti.1:3 6:17; with accusative, τοῦτο, before ὅτι (E1., § 70, 3), 2Th.3:10; with accusative and inf., Act.23:30, 2Th.3:6, 1Ti.6:13 (Bl., § 72, 5).† SYN.: see: ἐντέλλω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: (give in) charge, (give) command(-ment), declare See also: 1 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 5:40; Matthew 10:5.

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δεσμοφυλακι desmophulax G1200 "jailer" Noun-DSM

A jailer is someone who guards prisoners, like the one in Acts 16:23 who was in charge of Paul and Silas. The jailer's job is to keep the prisoners safe and secure. This word is used in the Bible to describe the person in charge of a prison.

Definition: δεσμο-φύλαξ, -κος, ὁ (δεσμός, φύλαξ), a prison-keeper, gaoler: Act.16:23, 27, 36 (cf. ἀρχιδ-, Gen.39:21).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: jailor, keeper of the prison See also: Acts 16:23; Acts 16:27; Acts 16:36.

ασφαλως asphalōs G806 "securely" Adv

The word securely means safely or assuredly, and is used in Mark 14:44 to describe a secret meeting. It's about being confident or certain, and is also used in Acts 2:36 to describe being assured of the truth about Jesus. This term emphasizes the importance of being confident in our faith.

Definition: ἀσφαλῶς adv., [in LXX: Gen.34:25 (בֶּטַח), Tob.6:4, Wis.18:6, Bar.5:7, 1Ma.6:40, 3Ma.7:6 * ;] __(a) safely: Mrk.14:44, Act.16:23; __(b) assuredly: Act.2:36.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: assuredly, safely See also: Acts 2:36; Acts 16:23; Mark 14:44.

τηρειν tēreō G5083 "to keep: observe" Verb-PAN

This word means to keep or observe something, like watching over it to keep it safe. Jesus uses it in John 17:11-12 to ask God to keep his followers safe. The Bible translates it as 'hold fast' or 'keep'.

Definition: τηρέω, -ῶ [in LXX for שָׁמַר, נָצַר, etc. ;] __1. to watch over, guard, keep, preserve: Mat.27:36, Act.16:23, al.; ἑαυτόν, 2Co.11:9, 1Ti.5:22, Jas.1:27, Ju 21; before εἰς, Jhn.12:7, Act.25:21, 1Pe.1:4, 2Pe.2:4 2:9 3:7, Ju 6; ἐν, Jhn.17:11-12, Ju 21; ἐκ, Jhn.17:15, Rev.3:10; τ. πίστιν, 2Ti.4:7, Rev.14:12; τ. ἑνότητα τ. πνεύματος, Eph.4:3. __2. to watch, give heed to, observe: τ. σάββατον, Jhn.9:16; τ. ἐντολήν (-άς), Mat.19:17, Jhn.14:15 15:10, 1Ti.6:14, 1Jn.2:3-4 Jn 3:22 Jn 3:24 Jn 5:3, Rev.12:17 14:12; τ. λόγον (-ους), Jhn.8:51-52, 55 14:23-24 15:20 17:6, 1Jn.2:5, Rev.3:8, 10 22:7, 9; τ. νόμον, Act.15:5, Jas.2:10; τ. παράδοσιν, Mrk.7:9; τ. ἔργα, Rev.2:26; τ. γεγραμμένα, Rev.1:3 (cf. δια-, παρα-, συν-τηρέω) SYN.: φυλάσσω, implying custody and protection: τ. expresses the idea of watchful care and "may mark the result of which φ. is the means" (Thayer see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 8:55; 1 Peter 1:4.

αυτους autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Study Notes — Acts 16:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 16:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 16:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 16:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 16:23
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 16:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 16:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 16:23
Cambridge Bible on Acts 16:23
Barnes' Notes on Acts 16:23
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 16:23
Sermons on Acts 16:23

Context — Paul and Silas Imprisoned

21by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” 22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.

23And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.

24On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 2:10	Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
2	2 Timothy 2:9	for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
3	1 Samuel 23:22–23	Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.”
4	Acts 12:4	He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.
5	Luke 21:12	But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.
6	Ephesians 4:1	As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
7	Matthew 27:63–66	“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.” “You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.
8	Matthew 26:48	Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”
9	Acts 16:36	The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.”
10	Acts 8:3	But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 16:23 Summary

This verse tells us that Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Even though they were treated unfairly and suffered physically, they trusted in God's plan and provision, as we see in Romans 8:28. We can learn from their example to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we face difficult circumstances, and to be willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:10-12. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, just like Paul and Silas did, as they sang hymns and prayed in prison, as mentioned in Acts 16:25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into prison?

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison because they were preaching the Gospel and performing miracles, which was seen as a threat to the Roman authorities and the crowd, as mentioned in Acts 16:21, where the crowd accused them of promoting unlawful customs.

What was the significance of the jailer being ordered to guard them securely?

The jailer was ordered to guard Paul and Silas securely to ensure they did not escape, as they were seen as a threat to the authorities, and also to prevent any potential rescue attempts by their followers, as seen in Acts 5:17-24 where the apostles were imprisoned and later rescued by an angel.

How does this verse relate to the concept of persecution in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the persecution that Christians may face for their faith, as mentioned in Matthew 5:10-12, where Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed, and also in 2 Timothy 3:12, where it is written that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

What can we learn from Paul and Silas' experience in this verse?

We can learn from Paul and Silas' experience that even in the midst of suffering and persecution, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it is written that all things work together for good to those who love God, and also in Philippians 4:13, where Paul writes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.

Reflection Questions

What would be my response if I were to face physical persecution for my faith, like Paul and Silas did in this verse?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision in the midst of difficult circumstances, like Paul and Silas did?
What can I learn from the example of Paul and Silas about the importance of obedience to God's will, even when it is difficult or costly?
How can I apply the lesson of this verse to my own life, in terms of being willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 16:23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them,.... Even above measure, as in 2 Corinthians 11:35.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 16:23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: And when they had laid many stripes upon them - the bleeding wounds from which were

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 16:23

Laid many stripes upon them; partly by the lictors or executioners, and partly by the furious rabble. The jailer; this jailer’ s name (of whose conversion we read hereafter) was Stephanas, as may appear if you compare with what follows by St. Luke in this story. Of him also we read, ,17.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 16:23

23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Ver. 23. Laid many stripes] These were those marks of the Lord Jesus which the apostles so gloried of, as an old soldier doth of his scars and wounds received in battle. Hoc sunt gemmae et pretiosa ornamenta Dei, These are the jewels and costly ornaments of God, saith Munster, concerning his ulcers whereof he died. So might Paul and Silas well say of their stripes, Ταδεσμαπεριφερωτουςπνευματικουςμαργαριτας, saith Ignatius in his Epistle to the Ephesians: I bear my bonds as so many spiritual pearls of price. It was with sweet briar, in some sense, that these apostles were whipped.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 16:23

(23) And when they had laid many stripes upon them.—The words imply a punishment of more than usual severity, such as would leave their backs lacerated and bleeding. So in 1 Thessalonians 2:2, St. Paul speaks of having been “shamefully entreated” at Philippi.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 16:23

Verse 23. Laid many stripes upon them] The Jews never gave more than thirty-nine stripes to any criminal; but the Romans had no law relative to this: they gave as many as they chose; and the apostles had, undoubtedly, the fullest measure. And perhaps St. Paul refers to this, where he says, 2 Corinthians 11:23: ενπληγαιςυπερβαλλοντως, in stripes beyond measure or moderation.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 16:23

23. cast them into prison] So that they should have no chance of teaching any longer. They appear (see Acts 16:35) to have intended to keep them one night in prison and then to turn them out of the city.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 16:23

And when they had laid many stripes on them - The Jews were by law prohibited from inflicting more than 40 stripes, and usually inflicted but 39, 2 Corinthians 11:24. But there was no such law among the Romans.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 16:23

23. Many stripes… into prison—Showing how intense anger demanded cruel satisfaction. What had raised it?

Sermons on Acts 16:23

	Sermon	Description
	Jesus' Victory Over the Powers of Darkness by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of their transformation from being involved in witchcraft to becoming a believer in God. They describe a powerful encounter
	Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape as an example of how God's glory is revealed in times of tribulation and suffering. T
	Let God Rule Supreme by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wise and sober-minded, as fools are prone to error and downfall. The preacher also highlights the significance of ha
	A Thankful Heart by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. He shares stories from the Bible, such as Paul and Silas praising God in prison
	Three Ways a Sovereign God Saves by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man named Sandworld who is seeking salvation. Sandworld meets two Christian men who guide him in prayer and witnessing. Through t
	Fren-12 Fondements Apostoliques - Confrontation by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when he felt hopeless and tired while addressing an audience. He emphasizes the importance of trusting God in such moments, as ever
	Thoughts on Faith and Prayer by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and Silas in Acts chapter 16. Despite being arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas continue to praise and