Menu

Acts 26:21

Acts 26:21 in Multiple Translations

For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me.

For this reason, the Jews took me in the Temple, and made an attempt to put me to death.

That's why the Jews seized me in the Temple and tried to kill me.

For this cause the Iewes caught me in the Temple, and went about to kill me.

because of these things the Jews — having caught me in the temple — were endeavouring to kill [me].

For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me .

For this cause the Jews, when I was in the temple, having apprehended me, went about to kill me.

“It is because I preached this message that some [SYN] Jews seized me when I was in the Temple courtyard and tried to kill me.

And Paul said, “I told everyone this message, but some of the Jewish people didn’t like it, so they grabbed me, and they tried to kill me. They did that in God’s ceremony house.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 26:21

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 26:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ενεκα τουτων οι ιουδαιοι με συλλαβομενοι εν τω ιερω επειρωντο διαχειρισασθαι
ενεκα heneka, ehineken G1752 because of Prep
τουτων ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-GPN
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
ιουδαιοι Ioudaios G2453 Jew Adj-NPM
με egō G1473 I/we Pron-1AS
συλλαβομενοι sullambanō G4815 to seize/conceive/help Verb-2AMP-NPM
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSN
ιερω hieros G2411 temple Noun-DSN
επειρωντο peiraō G3987 to try Verb-INI-3P
διαχειρισασθαι diacheirizō G1315 to kill Verb-AMN
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Acts 26:21

ενεκα heneka, ehineken G1752 "because of" Prep
Because of means on account of something, like doing something for a reason or because of a person, as seen in Matthew 5:10-11 and Luke 6:22.
Definition: ἕνεκα (so Mat.19:5, Luk.6:22, Act.19:32 26:21; elsewhere, prop, only before a vowel, ἕνεκεν; εἵνεκεν, originally Ionic: Luk.4:18 18:29, Act.28:20, 2Co.3:10), prep. with genitive, on account of, because of: Mat.5:10-11 16:25 19:29, Mrk.8:35, Luk.6:22, Act.28:20, Rom.8:36, 2Co.3:10; ἕ. τούτου, Mat.19:5; υούτων, Act.26:21; τίνος ἕ., Act.19:32; before τοῦ, with inf., 2Co.7:12; οὗ ἕν., Luk.4:18 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: because, for (cause, sake), (where-)fore, by reason of, that See also: 2 Corinthians 3:10; Mark 10:7; Romans 8:36.
τουτων ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-GPN
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
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.
ιουδαιοι Ioudaios G2453 "Jew" Adj-NPM
This word means a person from Judah or a Jew, used in Acts 10:28 and John 4:9 to describe people of Jewish descent. It is also used to describe the land of Judah, as in Matthew 2:6.
Definition: Ἰουδαῖος, -αία, -αῖον (Ἰούδας), Jewish: ἀνήρ, Act.10:28 22:3; ἄνθρωπος, Act.21:39; ψευδοπροφήτης, 13:6; ἀσχιερεύς, 19:14; γυνή, 16:1 24:24; γῆ, Jhn.3:22; χώρα, Mrk.1:5. Substantively, __(a) Ἰουδαῖος, ὁ, a Jew: Jhn.4:9, Act.18:24, Rom.2:28; pl., Rev.2:9 3:9; οἱ Ἰ., Mat.2:2, Mrk.7:3, Jhn.2:6, al.; Ἰ. τε καὶ Ἕλληνες, Act.14:1, al.; κ. προσήλυτοι, Act.2:10; ἔθνη τε κ. Ἰ., Act.14:5; οἱ κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη, Act.21:21; of Jewish Christians, Gal.2:13; of the ruling class who opposed Jesus, Jhn.1:19 2:18 5:10 11:8 13:33, al.; __(b) Ἰουδαία, -ας, ἡ (sc. γῆ, χώρα, cf. Jhn.3:22, Mrk.1:5), (Heb. יְהוּדָה), Judæa: Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Jhn.4:3, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: Jew(-ess), of Judæa See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 2:13; Revelation 2:9.
με egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1AS
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.
συλλαβομενοι sullambanō G4815 "to seize/conceive/help" Verb-2AMP-NPM
To seize or capture someone, like arresting a prisoner, as seen in Matthew 26:55 and Luke 22:54. It can also mean to conceive or help someone, like in Luke 5:7.
Definition: συλ-λαμβάνω [in LXX for תָּפַשׂ, הָרָה, etc. ;] __1. with accusative, to bring together, collect. __2. to seize, take: with accusative of person(s), as a prisoner, Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:54, Jhn.18:12, Act.1:16 12:3; pass., Act.23:27; mid., in sense of act., Act.26:21; σ. ἄγραν ἰχθύων, Luk.5:9. __3. C. dative of person(s), to take part with, assist, succour; mid., in same sense: Luk.5:7, Php.4:3. __4. Of a woman, to conceive: absol., Luk.1:24; before ἐν γαστρί, Luk.1:31; with accusative, Luk.1:36; ib. before ἐν τ. κοιλίᾳ, Luk.2:21; metaphorically, of lust producing sin, Jas.1:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: catch, conceive, help, take See also: Acts 1:16; Luke 1:36; James 1:15.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSN
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.
ιερω hieros G2411 "temple" Noun-DSN
The Greek word for temple refers to a sacred place, like the Temple in Jerusalem. It includes the entire area, not just the central sanctuary. In the Bible, it appears in 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy.
Definition: ἱερός, -ά, όν [in LXX: Eze.28:18 (מִקְדָּשׁ); τό ἱ, 1Ch.29:4 (בַּיִת), Eze.45:19 (עֲזָרָה); very frequently in I Est.1:1-58 -4 Mac ;] __1. in Hom., marvellous, mighty, divine. __2. (Also in Hom, and later cl.) consecrated to the deity, sacred: pl., ἱ. γράμματα, 2Ti.3:15. __3. As subst., __(a) (so in Hom.), τὰ ἱ., sacrifices, sacred rites, sacred things: 1Co.9:13; __(b) later, τὸ ἱ.,., a consecrated or sacred place, a temple: τ. Ἀρτέμιδος, Act.19:27; of the temple at Jerusalem, i.e. the entire precincts or some part thereof (as distinct from ὁ ναός, which see, the Sanctuary proper): 1Co.9:13, and frequently in Gosp. and esp. in Ac, Mat.12:6, Mrk.13:3, Act.4:1, al. (on the use of ἱ. in Imperial Iuser., see Deiss., LAE, 380 f.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: temple See also: 1 Corinthians 9:13; John 10:23; Matthew 26:55.
επειρωντο peiraō G3987 "to try" Verb-INI-3P
To try something means to make an attempt or take a risk, like when the apostle Paul tried to preach to the Jews in Acts 26:21. It involves testing one's abilities or limits.
Definition: πειράω more commonly as depon., πειράομαι, [in LXX for נָסָה ;] to try, attempt: Act.26:21.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: assay See also: Acts 9:26; Acts 26:21; Hebrews 4:15.
διαχειρισασθαι diacheirizō G1315 "to kill" Verb-AMN
This word means to handle something roughly or violently, like in Acts 5:30 and 26:21 where it describes killing or laying hands on someone. It implies a strong or forceful action.
Definition: δια-χειρίζω (χείρ), to have in hand, conduct, manage. Mid. __(a) = act.; __(b) in late writers (Polyb., FlJ, al.), to lay hands on, kill: with accusative, Act.5:30 26:21.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: kill, slay See also: Acts 5:30; Acts 26:21.

Study Notes — Acts 26:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 21:30–31 The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil.
2 Acts 21:27 When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,
3 Acts 25:3 to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.
4 Acts 22:22 The crowd listened to Paul until he made this statement. Then they lifted up their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!”
5 Acts 23:12–15 When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty of them were involved in this plot. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.”

Acts 26:21 Summary

This verse tells us that the Jews were so angry with Paul for preaching about Jesus that they tried to kill him in the temple courts. But Paul was not afraid, because he knew that God was with him, just like God was with Jesus when He suffered and died on the cross (Isaiah 53:3-5). We can learn from Paul's bravery and trust in God's help and protection, even when we face challenges or opposition for our faith (Psalm 23:4). By standing firm in our faith, we can proclaim the gospel and live out our repentance, just like Paul did, and trust that God will be with us every step of the way (2 Timothy 3:12).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Jews try to kill Paul in the temple courts?

The Jews tried to kill Paul because he was preaching about Jesus Christ and repentance, which they saw as a threat to their traditions and authority, as seen in Acts 21:27-36 and also in the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15 that the Christ would suffer.

What was Paul's crime in the eyes of the Jews?

Paul's crime was his bold proclamation of the gospel, calling people to repent and turn to God, which was seen as a betrayal of Jewish customs and laws, as mentioned in Acts 21:21 and supported by the teachings of Romans 11:1-6.

How did Paul's experience relate to the sufferings of Christ?

Paul's experience of persecution and attempted killing is a reflection of the sufferings of Christ, who also faced opposition and death at the hands of the Jewish leaders, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:3-5 and fulfilled in Matthew 27:1-2.

What can we learn from Paul's bravery in the face of danger?

We can learn from Paul's example that we should be willing to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution, trusting in God's help and protection, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and 2 Timothy 3:12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can boldly proclaim the gospel, like Paul, in my own life and community?
  2. How do I respond when faced with opposition or criticism for my faith, and what can I learn from Paul's example?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's help and protection, like Paul did in the temple courts?
  4. How can I balance my desire to follow God's will with the potential risks and challenges that come with it, as seen in Paul's experience?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,.... He means the Asiatic Jews, who finding him in the temple, laid hold on him, and dragged him out of it: and, as he says, went about to kill me;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 26:21

By violent hands and indirect means, as we see, , and as they had done unto our Saviour, , where the same word is used.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 26:21

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Ver. 21. Went about to kill me] Gr. διαχειρισασθαι, to tear me in pieces, or pull me limb from limb with their own hands, as the Senators did Romulus, and afterward Caesar. The Italians that served the French king, having taken the town of Barre, did out of hatred of religion rip up a living child, and taking out his liver, being as yet red hot, they did eat it as meat. Many children there at the same time had their hearts pulled out, which in rage those cannibal Papists gnawed with their teeth. (Acts and Mon.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 26:21

(21) For these causes . . .—Better, perhaps, on account of these things. With this brief touch, avoiding any elaborate vindication of his own character, St. Paul indicates the real cause of the hostility of the Jews. The one unpardonable sin, in their eyes, was that he taught the Gentiles that they might claim every gift and grace which had once been looked on as the privilege and prerogative of Israel. The historical precedence of the Jew remained (see Notes on Acts 13:46; Romans 3:1-2), but in all essential points they were placed on a footing of equality.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 26:21

Verse 21. For these causes the Jews - went about to kill me.] These causes may be reduced to four heads:- 1. He had maintained the resurrection of the dead. 2. The resurrection of Christ, whom they had crucified and slain. 3. That this Jesus was the promised Messiah. 4. He had offered salvation to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. He does not mention the accusation of having defiled the temple, nor of disloyalty to the Roman government; probably, because his adversaries had abandoned these charges at his preceding trial before Festus: see Acts 25:8; and see Calmet.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 26:21

21. For these causes] Lit. “on account of these things” which the R. V. better represents by “for this cause.”the Jews caught me [R. V. seized me] The word implies an arrest with violence.and went about [R. V. assayed] to kill me] St Paul combines the riot in the Temple with the subsequent plot before he was sent to Cæsarea. Or he may be alluding only to the violence by which he was nearly torn in pieces before the chief captain came to his rescue. The verb rendered “kill” indicates the laying violent hands on any one, and so favours the latter view.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 26:21

Caught me in the temple - Acts 21:30. And went about ... - Endeavored to put me to death.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 26:21

21. Went about—Undertook.

Sermons on Acts 26:21

SermonDescription
Charles Alexander The Puritan Illusion - Part One by Charles Alexander Charles Alexander preaches against the belief that the past history of the Christian Church is a failure and that the triumph of the Kingdom of Christ awaits a future day when the
David Servant Day 126, Romans 15 by David Servant David Servant preaches on the importance of mutual respect and love among believers, emphasizing the need for unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all thi
David Servant Day 129, Acts 21 by David Servant David Servant preaches about Paul's unwavering commitment to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, despite knowing the trials and tribulations that awaited him in Jerusalem. Despi
J.R. Miller Paul a Prisoner: the Arrest Acts 21:17-22:29 by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller discusses the events surrounding Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, emphasizing the theme of misrepresentation and the dangers of jumping to conclusions without knowing the tr
George Fox Epistle 238 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's spiritual foundation and first love for Christ, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and not stray from the
George Verwer (The Book of Acts) Session 11 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for Christians to take action and make a difference in their country through prayer, witness, and distributing literature. The Holy S
George Verwer 6 Blessings + 6 Barriers by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker discusses six blessings and six barriers in the work of OM (Operation Mobilization). The first blessing is the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables b

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate