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Acts 16:37

Acts 16:37 in Multiple Translations

But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.

But Paul said to them, They have given us who are Romans a public whipping without judging us, and have put us in prison. Will they now send us out secretly? no, truly, let them come themselves and take us out.

But Paul told them, “They publicly beat us without a trial—and yet we're Roman citizens! Then they threw us in prison. Now they want to quietly let us go? No, they should come themselves and release us!”

Then sayde Paul vnto them, After that they haue beaten vs openly vncodemned, which are Romanes, they haue cast vs into prison, and nowe would they put vs out priuily? nay verely: but let them come and bring vs out.

and Paul said to them, 'Having beaten us publicly uncondemned — men, Romans being — they did cast [us] to prison, and now privately do they cast us forth! why no! but having come themselves, let them bring us forth.'

But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!”

But Paul said to them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privately? no verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.

But Paul said to them: They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison: and now do they thrust us out privately? Not so; but let them come,

But Paul said to the police officers, “The authorities commanded men to beat us in front of a crowd before those authorities had learned if we (exc) had done anything wrong! Then they ordered men to shove us into jail! But that was not legal, because we (exc) are Roman citizens! And now they want [RHQ] to send us away secretly! We will not accept that! Those Roman officials must come themselves and tell us that they are sorry, and take us out of jail.”

But Paul said to the policemen, “No. Yesterday those judges didn’t take us to court to find out if we did anything wrong, or not. They just told men to hit us in front of the crowd. Then they put us in jail. But that is against the Roman law, because we are Romans. You see, even though we are Jews, we are Romans too. Our names are on the list of all the Roman people. So those judges broke the Roman law yesterday. And now they want to send us away while nobody is looking. No way. Those judges have to come to us and tell us that they are sorry, and they have to take us out of this jail themselves.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 16:37

BAB
Word Study

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Acts 16:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ο δε παυλος εφη προς αυτους δειραντες ημας δημοσια ακατακριτους ανθρωπους ρωμαιους υπαρχοντας εβαλον εις φυλακην και νυν λαθρα ημας εκβαλλουσιν ου γαρ αλλα ελθοντες αυτοι εξαγαγετωσαν
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
δε de G1161 then Conj
παυλος Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-NSM
εφη phēmi G5346 to assert Verb-IAI-3S
προς pros G4314 to/with Prep
αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM
δειραντες derō G1194 to beat up Verb-AAP-NPM
ημας egō G1473 I/we Pron-1AP
δημοσια dēmosios G1219 public Adj-DSF
ακατακριτους akatakritos G178 uncondemned Adj-APM
ανθρωπους anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-APM
ρωμαιους Rhōmaios G4514 Roman Adj-APM
υπαρχοντας huparchō G5225 be already Verb-PAP-APM
εβαλον ballō G906 to throw: throw Verb-2AAI-3P
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
φυλακην phulakē G5438 prison/watch: prison Noun-ASF
και kai G2532 and Conj
νυν nun G3568 now Adv
λαθρα lathra G2977 quietly Adv
ημας egō G1473 I/we Pron-1AP
εκβαλλουσιν ekballō G1544 to expel Verb-PAI-3P
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
αλλα alla G235 but Conj
ελθοντες erchomai G2064 to come/go Verb-2AAP-NPM
αυτοι autos G846 it/s/he Pron-NPM
εξαγαγετωσαν exagō G1806 to lead out Verb-2AAM-3P
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 16:37

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.
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.
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.
εφη phēmi G5346 "to assert" Verb-IAI-3S
To assert or declare, meaning to speak or say something, as seen in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:23. It is often used to quote someone's words or make a statement.
Definition: φημί [in LXX chiefly for נָאַם, also for אָמַר; frequently in 2-4 Mac ;] to declare, say: frequently in quoting the words of another, Mat.13:29 26:61, Luk.7:40 22:58, Jhn.1:23, al.; interjected into the recorded words (cl.), Mat.14:8, Act.23:35, al.; φησί, impersonal (Bl., § 30, 4), 1Co.6:16 (Lft., Notes, 217; but cf. Bl., l.with), 2Co.10:10 (WH, mg., φασίν), Heb.8:5; joined with syn. verb (cf. LS, see word, II, 2), ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ ἔφη, Luk.23:3; before -πρός, Luk.22:70, al.; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.10:15 10:19; accusative and inf., Rom.3:8; before ὅτι (Bl., § 70, 3), 1Co.10:19 15:50 (cf. σύν-φημι) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: affirm, say See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Acts 26:25; Hebrews 8:5.
προς pros G4314 "to/with" Prep
A preposition showing direction or relationship, like towards or with something, as seen in Mark 5:11 and John 18:16. This means indicating movement or direction. It's about showing proximity or connection.
Definition: πρός, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative __I. I. C. genitive, of motion from a place, from the side of, hence metaphorically, in the interests of, Act.27:34 (cf. Page, in l.). __II. II. C. dative, of local proximity, hard by, near, at: Mrk.5:11, Luk.19:37, Jhn.18:16 20:11, 12 Rev.1:13. __III. C. accusative, of motion or direction towards a place or object, to, towards. __1. Of place, __(a) after verbs of motion or of speaking and other words with the idea of direction: ἔρχομαι, ἀναβαίνω, πορεύομαι, λέγω, ἐπιστολή, etc., Mat.3:14, Mrk.6:51, Luk.11:5, Jhn.2:3, Act.9:2, al. mult.; metaphorically, of mental direction, hostile or otherwise, Luk.23:12, Jhn.6:52, 2Co.7:4, Eph.6:12, Col.3:13, al.; of the issue or end, Luk.14:32, Jhn.11:4, al.; of purpose, Mat.26:12, Rom.3:26, 1Co.6:5, al.; πρὸς τό, with inf., denoting purpose (cf. M, Pr., 218, 220; Lft., Notes, 131), Mat.5:28, Mrk.13:22, Eph.6:11, 1Th.2:9, al.; __(b) of close proximity, at, by, with: Mat.3:10, Mrk.11:4, Luk.4:11, Act.3:2, al.; after εἶναι, Mat.13:56, Mrk.6:3, Jhn.1:1, al. __2. 2. Of time, __(a) towards (Plat., Xen., LXX: Gen.8:11, al.): Luk.24:29; __(b) for: πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; πρὸς ὥραν, Jhn.5:35, al.; πρὸς ὀλίγον, Jas.4:14. __3. Of relation __(a) toward, with: Rom.5:1, 2Co.1:12, Col.4:5, 1Th.4:12, al.; __(b) with regard to: Mat.19:8, Mrk.12:12, Rom.8:31, al.; __(with) pertaining to, to: Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; __(d) according to: Luk.12:47, 2Co.5:10, Gal.2:14, Eph.3:4 4:14; __(e) in comparison with: Rom.8:18. __IV. In composition: towards (προσέρχομαι), to (προσάγω), against (προσκόπτω), besides (προσδαπανάω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 655 NT verses. KJV: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4.
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'.
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.
δειραντες derō G1194 "to beat up" Verb-AAP-NPM
To flay or scourge means to beat or thrash someone, like the way Jesus was treated in Matthew 21:35 and Mark 12:3.
Definition: δέρω [in LXX: Lev.1:6, 2Ch.29:34; 35:11 (פָּשַׁט hi.)* ;] __1. to skin, flay. __2. (of. Eng. slang, hide) to beat, thrash: with accusative, Mat.21:35, Mrk.12:3, 5, Luk.20:10, 11 22:63, Jhn.18:23, Act.5:40 16:37 22:19; ὡς ἀέρα δέρων, 1Co.9:26; εἰς πρόσωπου δ., 2Co.11:20. Pass., Mrk.13:9, Luk.12:47, 48 (δαρήσεται πολλάς, ὀλίγας, Sc. πληγάς).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: beat, smite See also: 1 Corinthians 9:26; Luke 12:48; Matthew 21:35.
ημας egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1AP
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
δημοσια dēmosios G1219 "public" Adj-DSF
The Greek word for public, meaning something belongs to or is done by the people. It appears in Acts, describing actions done openly or with public consent. This word emphasizes community involvement.
Definition: δημόσιος, -α, -ον (δῆμος), [in LXX: 2Ma.6:10, 3Ma.2:27 4:7 * ;] belonging to the people, public: Act.5:18; dative fem. used adverbially (cl.); __(a) at the public expense, by public consent; __(b) publicly: Act.16:37 18:28 20:20.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: common, openly, publickly See also: Acts 5:18; Acts 18:28; Acts 20:20.
ακατακριτους akatakritos G178 "uncondemned" Adj-APM
This word means uncondemned or without a trial, as seen in Acts 16:37 and 22:25. It describes someone who has not been judged or punished. The Bible uses this term to emphasize the importance of a fair trial.
Definition: ἀ-κατά-κριτος, -ον (κατακρίνω), __1. uncondemned (EV): Act.16:37, 22:25. __2. = cl. ἄκριτος, without trial, not yet tried (MM, VGT, see word) Ac, ll. cc. † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: uncondemned See also: Acts 16:37; Acts 22:25.
ανθρωπους anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-APM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.
ρωμαιους Rhōmaios G4514 "Roman" Adj-APM
Roman refers to something related to Rome, like its people or customs, as seen in Acts 16 and 22. It describes someone from Rome. The term is used to identify a person's nationality.
Definition: Ῥωμαῖος, -α, -ον Roman: Jhn.11:48, Act.2:10 (RV, from Rome), Act.16:21, 37-38 22:25-27, 29 23:27 25:16 28:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: Roman, of Rome See also: Acts 2:10; Acts 22:27; John 11:48.
υπαρχοντας huparchō G5225 "be already" Verb-PAP-APM
To be already in existence, like something or someone that was present from the start. It appears in Acts 19:40 and 27:12, describing things that were already happening. It can also mean to be ready or at hand.
Definition: ὑπάρχω [in LXX for הָיָה, יֵשׁ, לוּן, etc.; τ. ὑπάρχοντα for מִקְנֶה, רְכוּשׁ, etc. ;] __1. to begin, make a beginning (Hom., Hdt., al.). __2. to be in existence, be ready, be at hand (Hdt., Thuc., al.): Act.19:40 27:12, 21; before ἐν, Act.28:18. __3. to be, prop, expressing continuance of an antecedent state or condition (cf. Gifford, Incarnation, 11 ff.; MM, xxv): with, nom, pred., Luk.8:41 9:48, Act.4:34 7:55 8:16 16:3 19:36 21:20, 1Co.7:26 12:22, Jas.2:15, 2Pe.3:11; ptcp. with pred., Luk.16:14 23:50, Act.2:30, 32 17:24 22:3, Rom.4:19, 1Co.2:15, 2Co.8:17 12:16, Gal.1:14 2:14; pl., Luk.11:13, Act.16:20, 37 17:29, 2Pe.2:19; before ἐν, with dative of thing(s), Luk.7:25 16:23, Act.5:4 10:12, 1Co.11:18, Php.3:20; ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων (R, mg., being originally), Php.2:6; ἐν, with dative of person(s), (among), 1Co.11:18; μακρὰν ἀπό, Act.17:27; πρὸς τ. σωτηρίας, Act.27:34. __4. to belong to (Thuc., Xen., al.): with dative of person(s), Act.3:6 4:37 28:7, 2Pe.1:8; τὰ ὑπάρχοντα, one's belongings, possessions: with dative of person(s), Luk.8:3 12:15, Act.4:32; with genitive of person(s), Mat.19:21 24:47 25:14, Luk.11:21 12:33, 44 14:33 16:1 19:8, 1Co.13:3, Heb.10:34 (cf. προ-υπάρχω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: after, behave, live See also: 1 Corinthians 7:26; Acts 22:3; Hebrews 10:34.
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.
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.
νυν nun G3568 "now" Adv
Now refers to the present time, as in John 4:18 and Romans 13:11. It's used to emphasize a current situation or action.
Definition: νῦν, adv., [in LXX chiefly for עַתָּה ;] __1. prop., of time, now, i.e. at the present time: as opposite to past, Jhn.4:18, Act.7:52, Rom.13:11, 2Co.7:9, Col.1:24, al.; opposite to fut., Jhn.12:27, Rom.11:31, al.; with art., ὁ (ἡ, τὸ) and subst., the present: Rom.3:26, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:17, Tit.2:12, al.; απὸ τοῦ ν. (LXX for מֵעַתָּה), Luk.1:48, Act.18:6, al.; ἄχρι τοῦ ν., Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἕως τοῦ ν. (LXX for עַד עַתָּה), Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19; τὰ ν., as regards the present, Act.5:38; with pret., just now, but now, Mat.26:65, Jhn.11:8 21:10; with fut., now, presently, Jhn.12:31, Act.20:22; so with praes., presently, forthwith, Jhn.12:31 17:13; καὶ ν., Jhn.11:22 17:5, al.; ἀλλὰ ν., Luk.22:36; ἔτι ν., 1Co.3:2; τότε (πότε) . . . ν. (δέ), Rom.6:21 11:30; ν. ἤδη, 1Jn.4:3; ν. οὖν, Act.10:33, al. __2. Of logical sequence (often difficult to disting. from the temporal sense; cf. Lft., Notes, 113f.), now, therefore, now, however, as it is: Luk.11:39; καὶ ν., Act.3:17, 2Th.2:6, 1Jn.2:28; id. before δεῦρο, Act.7:34; ν. δέ, Jhn.8:40 9:41 15:22, 24, 18:36, 1Co.5:11 7:14 12:20, al. (cf. WM, 579.11). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 139 NT verses. KJV: henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 12:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
λαθρα lathra G2977 "quietly" Adv
This word means doing something quietly or secretly, like when Joseph planned to divorce Mary privately in Matthew 1:19.
Definition: λάθρᾳ (Att..; in Hom., -ρῃ, Rec. -ρα), adv., [in LXX chiefly for ‎סֵתֶר ;] secretly: Mat.1:19 2:7, Mrk.5:33 (WH, mg.), Jhn.11:28, Act.16:37.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: privily, secretly See also: Acts 16:37; Matthew 1:19; Matthew 2:7.
ημας egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1AP
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
εκβαλλουσιν ekballō G1544 "to expel" Verb-PAI-3P
To expel means to forcefully drive or send something out, as seen in Matthew 7:22 and Mark 1:34. Jesus used this word when describing casting out demons. It can also mean to send away or put out, as in Matthew 15:17.
Definition: ἐκ-βάλλω [in LXX chiefly for גָּרַשׁ pi., also for שָׁלַךְ hi., יָצָא hi., יָרַשׁ hi., etc. ;] __1. to drive, cast or send out, to expel: with accusative of thing(s), mid. (σῖτον), before εἰς, Act.27:38; pass., Mat.15:17; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:12, Mrk.11:15, al.; δαιμόνια, Mat.7:22, Mrk.1:34, al.; id. before ἐκ, Mrk.7:26; παρά, Mrk.16:9; ἐν, Mrk.3:22; (ἐν) τ. ὀνόματι, Mat.7:22, Mrk.9:38; λόγῳ, Mat.8:16; before ἔξω, Jhn.6:37; id. with genitive, Mrk.12:8, al.; of expulsion from home, Gal.4:30; from the Church, III Jn 10. __2. In LXX and NT (like Heb. יָצָא and Aram. הַנְפֵּק), to command or cause to depart: Mat.9:38, Mrk.1:12 (see Swete, in l.), ib. Mrk.1:43 5:40, Luk.10:2, Jas.2:25; τ. κρίσιν εἰς νῖκος (to cause to proceed to its goal), Mat.12:20 (LXX). __3. to reject (cl.): τ. ὄνομα ὑμῶς ὡς πονηρόν (cf. Deu.25:14), Luk.6:22; to leave out, Rev.11:2. __4. to take, draw or pluck out; __(a) with violence: Mat.7:5, Mrk.9:47, Luk.6:42; __(b) to bring forth or out of: Mat.12:35, Luk.10:35. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 76 NT verses. KJV: bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out) See also: 3 John 1:10; Mark 3:23; James 2:25.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
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.
αλλα alla G235 "but" Conj
But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.
Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.
ελθοντες erchomai G2064 "to come/go" Verb-2AAP-NPM
To come or go is the meaning of this word, used in many applications, such as in Matthew 8:9 and Romans 9:9. The KJV translates it in various ways, including come, go, and enter.
Definition: ἔρχομαι, [in LXX very frequently for בּוֹא, also for הלךְ ni., אתה, etc., 34 words in all ;] __1. to come; __(a) of persons, either as arriving or returning from elsewhere: Mat.8:9, Mrk.6:31, Luk.7:8, Jhn.4:27, Rom.9:9, al.; before ἀπό, Mrk.5:35 7:1, Jhn.3:2, al.; ἐκ, Luk.5:17, Jhn.3:31, al.; εἰς, Mrk.1:29, al.; διά before εἰς, Mrk.7:31; ἐν (Cremer, 263f., but see: ἐν), Rom.15:29, 1Co.4:21; ἐπί, with accusative, Mrk.6:53 11:13, Jhn.19:33, al.; κατά, with accusative, Luk.10:33 Act.16:7; παρά, with genitive, Luk.8:49; with accusative, Mat.15:29, Mrk.9:14, al.; with dative comm., incomm. (M, Pr., 75, 245), Mat.21:5, Rev.2:5, 16; with adverbs: πόθεν, Jhn.3:8, al.; ἄνωθεν, Jhn.3:31; ὄπισθεν, Mrk.5:27; ὧδε, Mat.8:29; ἐκεῖ, Jhn.18:3; ποῦ, Heb.11:8; before ἕως, Luk.4:42; ἄχρι, Act.11:5; with purpose expressed by inf., Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:59, al.; by fut. ptcp., Mat.27:49; ἵνα, Jhn.12:9; εἰς τοῦτο, ἵνα, Act.9:21; διά, with accusative, Jhn.12:9; before verbs of action, ἔρχεται καί, ἦλθε καί, etc.: Mrk.2:18, Jhn.6:15, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:47 11:34; ἐλθών (redundant; Dalman, Words, 20 f.), Mat.2:8 8:7, Mrk.7:25, Act.16:39, al.; similarly ἐρχόμενος, Luk.15:25, al.; of coming into public view: esp. of the Messiah (ὁ ἐρχόμενος, Mat.11:3, al.; see Cremer, 264), Luk.3:16, Jhn.4:25; hence, of Jesus, Mat.11:19, Luk.7:34, Jhn.5:43, al.; of the second coming, Mat.10:23, Act.1:11, 1Co.4:5, 1Th.5:2, al.; __(b) of time: ἔρξονται ἡμέραι (present for fut.: Bl., §56, 8), Luk.23:29, Heb.8:8" (LXX) ; fut., Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, al.; ἔρξεται ὥρα, ὅτε, Jhn.4:21, 23. al.; ἦλθεν, ἐλήλυθε ἡ ὥρα, Jhn.13:1 16:32 17:1; ἡ ἡμέρα τ. κυρίου, 1Th.5:2; καιροί, Act.3:19; __(with) of things and events: κατακλυσμός, Luk.17:27; λιμός, Act.7:11; ἡ ὀργή, 1Th.1:10; ὁ λύχνος, Mrk.4:21 (see Swete, in l.). Metaphorical, τ. ἀγαθά, Rom.3:8; τ. τέλειον, 1Co.13:10; ἡ πίστις, Gal.3:23, 25; ἡ ἐντολή, Rom.7:9; with prepositions: ἐκ τ. θλίψεως, Rev.7:14; ἐις τ. χεῖρον, Mrk.5:26; εἰς πειρασμόν, ib. 14:38, al. __2. to go: ὀπίσω, with genitive (Heb. הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי), Mat.16:24, Mrk.8:34, Luk.9:23; σύν, Jhn.21:3; ὁδόν, Luk.2:44. (Cf. ἀν-, ἐπ-αν-, ἀπ-, δι-, εἰς, ἐπ-εἰσ-, συν-εἰσ-, ἐξ-, δι-εξ-, ἐπ-, κατ-, παρ-, ἀντι-παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-έρχομαι.) SYN.: πορεύομαι, χωρέω (v, Thayer, see word ἔρξομαι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 22:11; Hebrews 6:7.
αυτοι autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-NPM
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.
εξαγαγετωσαν exagō G1806 "to lead out" Verb-2AAM-3P
This word means to lead out or bring forth, like guiding someone out of a place. It is used in Mark 15:20 and John 10:3 to describe leading people out.
Definition: ἐξ-άγω [in LXX chiefly for יָצָא hi. ;] to lead out: with accusative, Mrk.15:20, Jhn.10:3, Act.5:19 7:36 16:37-39; before ἔξω, Luk.24:50; ἐκ, Act.7:40 12:17 13:17, Heb.8:9; εἰς, Act.21:38.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: bring forth (out), fetch (lead) out See also: Acts 5:19; Acts 16:39; Hebrews 8:9.

Study Notes — Acts 16:37

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — An Official Apology

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 22:25–29 But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.” The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. “I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Then those who were about to interrogate Paul stepped back, and the commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put a Roman citizen in chains.
2 Psalms 58:1–2 Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.
3 Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
4 Acts 16:20–24 They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
5 Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
6 Psalms 94:20 Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree?
7 Daniel 3:25–26 “Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods! ” Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire,
8 Psalms 82:1–2 God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
9 Daniel 6:18–19 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him. At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions.

Acts 16:37 Summary

[Paul and Silas were treated unfairly and beaten without a trial, even though they were Roman citizens, as seen in Acts 16:37. They wanted the magistrates to acknowledge their mistake and escort them out of prison to show that they were released officially. This shows that Paul was not afraid to stand up for what was right, even if it meant going against those in authority, similar to the courage shown in Daniel 3:16-18 and Daniel 6:10. By doing so, Paul was able to assert their rights and ensure that they were treated with dignity, as encouraged in 1 Peter 2:13-17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Paul and Silas insist on the magistrates coming to escort them out of prison?

Paul and Silas wanted to assert their rights as Roman citizens and ensure that their release was officially recognized, as seen in Acts 16:37, to avoid any further mistreatment, similar to the protection offered to citizens in Acts 22:25-29.

Was it right for Paul to demand that the magistrates escort them out, given that they were already ordered to be released?

Yes, it was right for Paul to stand up for their rights, as they had been wrongly accused and beaten, and this action was in line with the principle of seeking justice and fairness, as taught in Proverbs 31:9 and Micah 6:8.

What can we learn from Paul's boldness in this situation?

We can learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Acts 16:37, to guide and protect us.

How does this event relate to the broader theme of persecution in the book of Acts?

This event is part of a larger pattern of persecution faced by the early Christians, as seen in Acts 8:1-3 and Acts 14:19-20, and demonstrates the courage and resilience of believers in the face of opposition, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 3:12 and 1 Peter 2:20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would I do if I were in Paul's shoes, and how would I respond to injustice?
  2. How can I apply the principle of standing up for what is right, as seen in Acts 16:37, to my own life and circumstances?
  3. What does this verse teach me about the importance of seeking justice and fairness, and how can I reflect this in my interactions with others?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of opposition, like Paul and Silas, and trust in God's sovereignty to guide me?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 16:37

But Paul said unto them,.... The sergeants, who were present when the jailer reported to Paul the message they came with from the magistrates; though the Syriac version reads in the singular number,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 16:37

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 16:37

Paul said unto them, the officers who were sent to the prison with the message about their liberty. They have beaten us; the magistrates, who commanded them to be beaten, are justly charged with the beating of them, as if they had themselves done it. Openly; it was no small aggravation of their injustice, and these holy men’ s sufferings, that they had, for the greater spite unto them, openly scourged them. Uncondemned; for they were not tried, or permitted to speak for themselves. Being Romans; having the privilege of Roman citizens, which was sometimes given to whole communities. Now such by their laws might not be bound, much less beaten, (and least of all uncondemned), without the consent of the Romans. Let them come themselves and fetch us out; this the apostle stands upon, not so much for his own, as for the gospel’ s sake, that it might not be noised abroad, that the preachers of it were wicked and vile men, and did deserve such ignominious punishment. Though they were as innocent as doves, it became them also to be as wise as serpents.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 16:37

37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. Ver. 37. They have beaten us] A Roman, by the Valerian law, might not be bound; by the Porcian law, he might not be beaten or put to death, but by the Romans themselves, with the consent of the people. This privilege Paul pleads, and well he might; for the name of a Roman citizen was terrible to other nations. Though we may not return evil for evil, yet we may use all lawful means to right and secure ourselves. And now do they thrust us out?] Doctor Fuller the chancellor came to William Wolsey the martyr, whom he had imprisoned, and said, Thou dost much trouble my conscience; wherefore I pray thee depart, and rule thy tongue, so that I hear no more complaint of thee; and come to church when thou wilt, and if thou be complained of, so far as I may, I promise thee I will not hear of it. "Master Doctor," quoth he, "I was brought hither by a law, and by a law I will be delivered," &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 16:37

(37) They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans.—By the Lex Porcia (B.C. 247), Roman citizens were exempted from degrading punishment, such as that of scourging. It was the heaviest of all the charges brought by Cicero against Verres, the Governor of Sicily, that he had broken this law: “Facinus est vinciri civem Romanum, scelus verberari” (Cic. in Verr. v. 57). The words civis Romanus sum acted almost like a charm in stopping the violence of provincial magistrates. St. Paul was a citizen by birth (see Note on Acts 22:28), his father having probably been wealthy enough to buy the jus civitatis, which brought with it commercial as well as personal privileges. It did not necessarily involve residence at Rome, but makes it probable that there were some points of contact with the imperial city. There is something like a tone of irony in the “being Romans,” echoing, as it did, the very words of his accusers (Acts 16:21). He, too, could stand on his rights as a citizen. The judges had not called on the prisoners for their defence, had not even questioned them. Even if they had not been citizens the trial was a flagrant breach of justice, and St. Paul wished to make the strategi feel that it was so. Here we note that he seems to couple Silas with himself. It is possible, as the Latin form of his name, Silvanus (2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1) suggests, that he also was a citizen of Rome, but St. Paul’s mode of speech was natural enough, even on the assumption that he only could claim the privilege. We could hardly expect him to say with minute accuracy: “They have beaten us uncondemned, and I, for my part, am a Roman citizen.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 16:37

Verse 37. They have beaten us openly - being Romans] St. Paul well knew the Roman laws; and on their violation by the magistrates he pleads. The Valerian law forbade any Roman citizen to be bound. The Porcian law forbade any to be beaten with rods. "Poreia lex virgas ab omnium civium Romanorum corpore amovit." And by the same law the liberty of a Roman citizen was never put in the power of the lictor. "Porcia lex libertatem civium lictori eripuit." See CICERO, Orat. pro Rabirio. Hence, as the same author observes, In Verrem, Orat. 5: "Facinus est vinciri civem Romanum, scelus verberari." It is a transgression of the law to bind a Roman citizen: it is wickedness to scourge him. And the illegality of the proceedings of these magistrates was farther evident in their condemning and punishing them unheard. This was a gross violation of a common maxim in the Roman law. Causa cognita, possunt multi absolvi; incognita, nemo condemnari potest. Cicero. "Many who are accused of evil may be absolved, when the cause is heard; but unheard, no man can be condemned." Every principle of the law of nature and the law of nations was violated in the treatment these holy men met with from the unprincipled magistrates of this city. Let them come themselves and fetch us out.] The apostles were determined that the magistrates should be humbled for their illegal proceedings; and that the people at large might see that they had been unjustly condemned, and that the majesty of the Roman people was insulted by the treatment they had received.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 16:37

37. But Paul said unto them] i.e. to the lictors, through the jailor. It is highly probable that the conversation of the Roman officers would be in Latin, and that the proceedings of the previous day may have been conducted in that language. In this way, if Paul and Silas were unfamiliar with the Latin speech, we might account for the non-mention or the disregard of their Roman citizenship. If either the Apostle did not comprehend all that was going on or could not, amid the confusion of such a tumultuous court, make himself understood, the message which he now sends to the magistrates might have had no chance of being heard before the scourging was inflicted.They have beaten us openly] i.e. publicly. (So R. V.) For no doubt they had been lashed to the palus or public whipping-post in the sight of the people.uncondemned] For all that had been listened to was the charge of the accusers, who, leaving out all mention of the real reason of their charge, viz., that they had lost a source of money-making, put forward the plea that the missionaries were disturbers of public law and order. The crowd shouted with the accusers, and the magistrates, forgetting their position, joined with the mob (Acts 16:22) in the assault on the Apostles.being Romans] The Greek is more full=men that are Romans, (so R. V.) and is in marked contrast with the charge of the accusers, which ran, “These men, being Jews.” The laws which had been violated by this act were the Lex Valeria (b.c. 508) and the Lex Porcia (b.c. 300). On the outrage, compare Cicero’s language in the Verrine orations (v. 66), ‘Facinus est vinciri civem Romanum, scelus verberari, prope parricidium necari.’thrust us out privily] The Apostle would say: let our dismissal from prison be as widely published as was our previous punishment.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 16:37

They have beaten us openly uncondemned - There are three aggravating circumstances mentioned, of which Paul complains: (1) That they had been beaten contrary to the Roman laws.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 16:37

37. Beaten us… Romans—The memorable oratory of Cicero against Verres has universally diffused the knowledge of the fact that the exclamation!

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