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Acts 16:28

Acts 16:28 in Multiple Translations

But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!”

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

But Paul said in a loud voice, Do yourself no damage, for we are all here.

But Paul shouted out, “Don't hurt yourself—we're all still here!”

But Paul cryed with a loude voyce, saying, Doe thy selfe no harme: for we are all here.

and Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Thou mayest not do thyself any harm, for we are all here.'

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, “Don’t harm yourself, for we are all here!”

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying: Do thyself no harm, for we all are here.

Paul saw the jailer and shouted to him, “Do not harm yourself! We (exc) prisoners are all here!”

But Paul saw the jail boss and shouted to him, “Don’t hurt yourself. We are all here.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 16:28

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Acts 16:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK εφωνησεν δε φωνη μεγαλη ο παυλος λεγων μηδεν πραξης σεαυτω κακον απαντες γαρ εσμεν ενθαδε
εφωνησεν phōneō G5455 to call Verb-AAI-3S
δε de G1161 then Conj
φωνη phōnē G5456 voice/sound: noise Noun-DSF
μεγαλη megas G3173 great Adj-DSF
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
παυλος Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-NSM
λεγων legō G3004 to say Verb-PAP-NSM
μηδεν mēdeis G3367 nothing Adj-ASN-N
πραξης prassō G4238 to do/require Verb-AAS-2S
σεαυτω seautou G4572 yourself F-2DSM
κακον kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-ASN
απαντες hapas G537 all Adj-NPM
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
εσμεν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-1P
ενθαδε enthade G1759 in/to this place Adv
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 16:28

εφωνησεν phōneō G5455 "to call" Verb-AAI-3S
To call means to make a sound, like an animal or a person speaking, and can also mean to address someone by name. In the Bible, it is used in Luke 8:8 and Mark 1:26. It can also mean the cry of an animal, like a cock crowing in Matthew 26:34.
Definition: φωνέω, -ῶ (φωνή), [in LXX for קָרָא (Jer.17:11, al.), etc. ;] __I. Intrans. __1. Of persons, to call out, cry out, speak aloud: Luk.8:8; φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, Mrk.1:26, Act.16:28; ἐφώνησε (φωνῇ μεγάλῇ) λέγων, Luk.8:54, Rev.14:18; φωνήσαντες ἐπύθοντο, Act.10:18. __2. Of the cries of animals (rarely in cl.; Isa.38:14, Je, l.with): of a cock, to crow, Mat.26:34, Mrk.14:30, Luk.22:3, Jhn.13:38 18:27. __II. Trans. (in cl. chiefly poët.), with accusative of person(s), to call, summon, invite: Mat.20:32 27:47, Mrk.9:35 10:49 15:35, Luk.14:12 16:2 19:15, Jhn.1:49 2:9 4:16 10:3 11:28 12:17 18:33, Act.9:41 10:7; to address, call by name (Soph.), Jhn.13:13 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐπι-, προσ-, συν-φωνέω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: call (for), crow, cry See also: Acts 9:41; Luke 16:24; Revelation 14:18.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
φωνη phōnē G5456 "voice/sound: noise" Noun-DSF
Voice or sound refers to any kind of noise, like a person speaking or an animal making a sound. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 2:18 and Acts 2:14 to describe a voice or sound. It can also mean a language or saying.
Definition: φωνή, -ῆς, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for קוֹל ;] a voice; __(a) prop., of persons, Mat.2:18 (LXX), al.; φ. αἴρειν (ἐπαίρειν), Luk.17:13, Act.2:14, al.; φ. μεγάλῃ εἰπεῖν (λέγειν, φωνεῖν, etc.), Luk.8:28, Act.7:57, Rev.5:12, al.; γίνεται (ἔρχεται) φ. ἐκ τ. οὐρανῶν (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ), Mrk.1:11, Luk.3:22, Jhn.12:28, al. (cf. DCG, ii, 810a; Dalman, Words, 204f.); ἀκούειν φωνήν (-ῆς; see: ἀκούω), Act.9:4, 7 al.; φ. βοῶντος, Mat.3:3, Mrk.1:3, Luk.3:4, Jhn.1:23" (LXX) ; τ. θεοῦ, Jhn.5:37, Heb.3:7, al. By meton., __(α) of the speaker, βλέπειν τὴν φ., Rev.1:12; __(β) speech, language ( Gen.11:1, 4Ma.12:7, al.): 1Co.14:10; __(b) of inanimate things: Mat.24:31, Jhn.3:8, Act.2:6, Rev.1:15b 9:9 14:2, al. (cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxix). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 128 NT verses. KJV: noise, sound, voice See also: 1 Corinthians 14:7; Luke 11:27; Hebrews 3:7.
μεγαλη megas G3173 "great" Adj-DSF
The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.
Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
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.
παυλος Paulos G3972 "Paul" Noun-NSM
Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman apostle who wrote many letters in the New Testament, including Romans and 1 Corinthians. He is a key figure in the early Christian church.
Definition: Παῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. Paulus), __1. Sergius Paulus: Act.13:7. __2. the Apostle Paul (cf. Σαῦλος): Act.13:9, and frequently throughout Ac., Rom.1:1, 1Co.1:1, al., 2Pe.3:15. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 159 NT verses. KJV: Paul, Paulus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 20:37; Romans 1:1.
λεγων legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAP-NSM
This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.
μηδεν mēdeis G3367 "nothing" Adj-ASN-N
Means nothing or no one, used in the Bible to emphasize the absence of something, like in Matthew 16:20 where Jesus tells his disciples to tell no one about him.
Definition: μηδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (and -θέν, Act.27:33, a Hellenistic form; see Bl., 6, 7; Thackeray, Gr., 58) related to οὐδείς as μή to οὐ, no, none, no one; neut., nothing: Mat.16:20, Mrk.5:43 6:8, Luk.3:14, Act.8:24, Rom.13:8, al.; with genitive, Act.4:17 24:23; neut. accusative, μηδέν, adverbially, in no respect, Act.10:20 11:12; as accusative obj. after verb, βλάπτειν, Luk.4:35; ὠφελεῖσθαι, Mrk.5:26; ὑστερεῖν, 2Co.11:5; μεριμνᾶν, Php.4:6; in double negation, strengthening the denial, μηκέτι μ., Mrk.11:14, Act.4:17; μὴ . . . μηδέν (μηδένα, μηδεμίαν), 2Co.13:7, 2Th.2:3, 1Pe.3:6 μηθείς, see. μηδείς (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, + without delay See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Acts 28:6; 1 Peter 3:6.
πραξης prassō G4238 "to do/require" Verb-AAS-2S
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.
σεαυτω seautou G4572 "yourself" F-2DSM
Yourself refers to a person's own actions or thoughts, like in Matthew 4:6 and John 8:13. It's about taking care of or thinking about oneself.
Definition: σεαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ (in NT not contracted, σαυτοῦ, as in Att..), reflex. prop. of 2nd of person(s) sing., used only in genitive, dative and accusative (of, to) thyself: Mat.4:6, Jhn.8:13, 1Ti.4:16, al. (In Hellenistic, the pl. is ἑαυτῶν (which see), not ὑμῶν αὐτῶν as in Attic, see Bl., § 13, 1.) † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: thee, thine own self, (thou) thy(-self) See also: 1 Timothy 4:7; Luke 5:14; James 2:8.
κακον kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-ASN
This word means evil or worthless, describing something or someone as bad or depraved. It appears in Matthew 21:41 and Romans 13:3, contrasting with what is good. It is often translated as 'evil' or 'wicked'.
Definition: κακός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. in general, opposite to ἀγαθός, καλός, in various senses, bad, mean, base, worthless (cl.). __2. In ethical sense, base, evil, wicked: of persons, Mat.21:41 24:48, Php.3:2, Rev.2:2; διαλογισμοί, Mrk.7:21; ὁμιλίαι, 1Co.15:33; ἐπιθυμία (Pro.12:12), Col.3:5; ἔργον, Rom.13:3; neut., κακόν, τὸ κ., evil: Jhn.18:23, Act.23:9, Rom.7:21 14:20 16:19, 1Co.13:5, Heb.5:14, 1Pe.3:10-11, 3Jn.11; pl., Rom.1:30, 1Co.10:6, 1Ti.6:10, Jas.1:13; κ. (τὸ, τὰ κ.) ποιεῖν (πράσσειν), Mat.27:23, Mrk.15:14, Luk.23:22, Jhn.18:30, Rom.3:8 7:19 13:4, 2Co.13:7, 1Pe.3:12; κατεργάζεσθαι, Rom.2:9; of wrongs inflicted, Act.9:13, Rom.12:17, 21 13:10, 1Th.5:15, 2Ti.4:14, 1Pe.3:9. __3. pernicious, harmful, evil: Luk.16:25, Act.16:28 28:5, Tit.1:12, Jas.3:8, Rev.16:2 (Cremer, 325, 741). † SYN.: see: (ἄθεσμος) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 23:22; 1 Peter 3:9.
απαντες hapas G537 "all" Adj-NPM
The Greek word for all or every one, used in the Bible to describe absolute completeness, like in Luke 3:21 and Mark 16:15. It emphasizes the entirety of something or someone. This word is often used in the books of Luke and Acts.
Definition: ἅπας, -ασα, -αν (strengthened form of πᾶς, see: ἅ-), all, the whole, altogether: bef. subst. with art., as Luk.3:21; or after, as Mrk.16:15]; absol., in masc., as Luk.5:26; in neut., as Act.2:44; ἅ. οὗτοι, Act.2:7 (LT); ἅ. ὑμεῖς, Gal.3:28 (TTr.). Most frequently in Lk, Ac (see MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: all (things), every (one), whole See also: Acts 2:1; Luke 4:6; James 3:2.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
εσμεν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-1P
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
ενθαδε enthade G1759 "in/to this place" Adv
This word means in or to this place, like here or hither. In Luke 24:41 and John 4:15-16, it's used to describe a location where something happens.
Definition: ἐνθά-δε adv., [in LXX: 2Ma.12:27, 3Ma.6:25 * ;] __(a) here: Luk.24:41, Act.10:18 16:28 17:6 25:24; __(b) hither: Jhn.4:15-16, Act.25:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: (t-)here, hither See also: Acts 10:18; Acts 25:24; Luke 24:41.

Study Notes — Acts 16:28

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
2 Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
3 Luke 6:27–28 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
4 Luke 10:32–37 So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
5 Ecclesiastes 7:17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
6 Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
7 Psalms 35:14 I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.
8 Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.
9 Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
10 Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.

Acts 16:28 Summary

In Acts 16:28, Paul stops the jailer from killing himself by calling out that all the prisoners are still there. This shows Paul's care for the jailer and his desire to help him, even in a difficult situation. We can learn from Paul's example to be kind and compassionate to those around us, just as Jesus taught in the book of Matthew 22:39. By trusting in God's sovereignty, like Paul did, we can respond to unexpected events with faith and confidence, as seen in Psalm 23:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the jailer want to kill himself in Acts 16:28?

The jailer presumed that the prisoners, including Paul and Silas, had escaped during the earthquake, and he believed he would be held responsible and potentially executed for their escape, as seen in Acts 12:19 and Acts 16:27.

What motivated Paul to stop the jailer from killing himself?

Paul's motivation was likely a combination of compassion and a desire to share the Gospel with the jailer, as evidenced by the jailer's subsequent question about salvation in Acts 16:30 and Paul's missionary work in Acts 9:15.

How did Paul know the jailer was about to harm himself?

The Bible doesn't explicitly state how Paul knew, but it's likely that Paul heard the jailer's actions or saw him through the darkness, and the Holy Spirit guided him to intervene, as seen in other instances of divine intervention in the book of Acts, such as Acts 10:19-20.

What can we learn from Paul's response to the jailer in this situation?

We can learn about the importance of compassion, quick thinking, and being guided by the Holy Spirit in our interactions with others, as encouraged in Galatians 6:10 and Colossians 4:5-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I demonstrate compassion to those around me, just as Paul did for the jailer?
  2. What are some times in my life when I've felt like the jailer, and how can I apply Paul's response to my own situation?
  3. In what ways can I be more aware of the people around me and their potential struggles, so I can respond with kindness and the love of Christ?
  4. How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty, even in unexpected and difficult circumstances, like the earthquake in Acts 16:26?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 16:28

But Paul cried with a loud voice,.... Knowing by divine revelation, what the jailer was about to do; though being in the innermost prison, in a dark dungeon, he could not see him, unless it can be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 16:28

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. But Paul cried with a loud voice - the better to arrest the fatal deed, Do thyself no harm; for we are all here.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 16:28

The other prisoners were smitten with amazement; neither did they mind (or it might have been kept from them) that the doors were opened, and their chains loosed: but as for the apostles, the same God who wrought this deliverance for them, might inform them of the intent of it; that by this means the conversion of the jailer and his family was intended; and that their doctrine might be magnified, which had been so much vilified.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 16:28

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Ver. 28. But Paul cried with a loud voice, &c.] We should likewise cry Cave miser, beware oh wretch, when we see a man busily cutting the throat of his own poor soul, by wilful wickedness, or pitched headlong into hell through despair of God’ s mercy. "Of some have compassion making a difference" Judges 1:22; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire of hell, as the angel pulled Lot out of Sodom, and as God pulled Joshua the high priest as "a brand out of the fire," Zechariah 3:2; This Jerome calleth Sanctam violentiam, optabilem rapinam, a holy violence, a desirable ravage; and the law of God requireth not only our observation, but our preservation; to cause others to keep it, as well as ourselves.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 16:28

(28) Do thyself no harm.—Few and simple as the words are, they are eminently characteristic of the love and sympathy which burnt in St. Paul’s heart. For him the suicide which others would have admired, or, at least, have thought of without horror, would have been the most terrible of all forms of death. He could not bear the thought that even the gaoler who had thrust him into the dungeon, should so perish in his despair.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 16:28

Verse 28. Do thyself no harm] As it was now dark, being midnight, St. Paul must have had a Divine intimation of what the jailor was going to do; and, to prevent it, cried out aloud, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 16:28

28. But Paul cried] The sound of one voice would arrest the action, for at the sight of the open doors he had concluded that all had made use of the opportunity and had escaped.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 16:28

Do thyself no harm - This is the solemn command of religion in his case, and in all others.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 16:28

28. But Paul—Master of the situation here as ever. Do thyself no harm—A memorable caution, which Christianity addresses, not only to this desperate purposer of suicide, but to every man who is

Sermons on Acts 16:28

SermonDescription
F.J. Huegel Great Prayers of History by F.J. Huegel In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel in the lion's den from the Bible. He highlights how Daniel remained faithful to God and continued to pray despite a decre
Paul Washer 1 Thessalonians 5:17 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of prayer and rejoicing always. He emphasizes that even in difficult circumstances, believers should find joy because it is Go
Vernon Helmuth Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte
Seth Rees Stephen's Fullness (Acts Vi. 5) by Seth Rees Seth Rees preaches about the life and blessings of Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Stephen's Christian experience is highlighted as the most important aspect in th
John Gill 1 Peter 2:23 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the profound example set by Jesus in 1 Peter 2:23, illustrating how Christ, when reviled and mistreated, chose not to retaliate but instead responded with pati
John Wesley On Zeal by John Wesley John Wesley emphasizes the critical importance of true Christian zeal, distinguishing it from the destructive zeal that has historically caused harm in the name of religion. He arg
St. John Chrysostom 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of respecting and supporting leaders in the church, acknowledging the challenges they face in guiding and admonishing the congregation. He

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