The Meaning of Acts 20:10 Explained

Acts 20:10

KJV: And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

YLT: And Paul, having gone down, fell upon him, and having embraced him, said, 'Make no tumult, for his life is in him;'

Darby: But Paul descending fell upon him, and enfolding him in his arms, said, Be not troubled, for his life is in him.

ASV: And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Make ye no ado; for his life is in him.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  Paul  went down,  and fell on  him,  and  embracing  [him] said,  Trouble  not  yourselves;  for  his  life  is  in  him. 

What does Acts 20:10 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 20:1-12 - A Messenger Of Truth And Life
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians should be read with the introductory verses of this chapter, as it reveals the Apostle's inner mind at this time. He seems to have been less impressed with the imminent peril from which he had been rescued, and more solicitous as to the condition of the church at Corinth, to which he had addressed his first Epistle during the early days of his Ephesian ministry.
Into how small a compass, Acts 20:3, the evangelist crowds the three months' ministry in Greece, where he visited the scenes of his memorable first journey. In a few lines he enumerates the companions of his return journey, and before we are well aware we are back again in Troas and on our way to Jerusalem.
Notice that reference to the breaking of bread on the first day of the week, Acts 20:7. This proves that the primitive Church was adopting the first day of the week for its characteristic meal; and as the Gentile element became predominant, it is easy to see how gradually and inevitably Sunday superseded Saturday as the rest day. See also Colossians 2:16. It is possible that Eutychus was not already dead, although believed to be so. In that case, Paul's loving embrace and prayer restored him from the swoon that might easily have become death. Can we not imagine the theme of that talk which lasted till dawn! [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 20

1  Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas
7  He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches
9  Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life
13  Paul continues his travels;
17  and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28  commits God's flock to them,
29  warns them of false teachers,
32  commends them to God,
36  prays with them, and departs

Greek Commentary for Acts 20:10

Fell on him [επεπεσεν αυτωι]
Second aorist active indicative of επιπιπτω — epipiptō with dative case as Elijah did (1 Kings 17:21) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:34). [source]
Embracing [συνπεριλαβων]
Second aorist active participle of συνπεριλαμβανω — sunperilambanō old verb to embrace completely (take hold together round), but only here in the N.T. In Ezra 5:3. Make ye no ado (μη τορυβειστε — mē thorubeisthe). Stop (μη — mē and present middle imperative of τορυβεω — thorubeō) making a noise (τορυβος — thorubos) as the people did on the death of Jairus‘s daughter (Matthew 9:23 τορυβουμενου — thoruboumenou and Mark 5:38 τορυβου — thorubou) when Jesus asked Τι τορυβειστε — Ti thorubeisthė For his life is in him This language is relied on by Ramsay, Wendt, Zoeckler to show that Eutychus had not really died, but had merely swooned. Paul‘s language would suit that view, but it suits equally well the idea that he had just been restored to life and so is indecisive. Furneaux urges also the fact that his friends did not bring him back to the meeting till morning (Acts 20:12) as additional evidence that it was a case of swooning rather than of death. But this again is not conclusive as they would naturally not take him back at once. One will believe here as the facts appeal to him. [source]
Make ye no ado [μη τορυβειστε]
Stop (μη — mē and present middle imperative of τορυβεω — thorubeō) making a noise (τορυβος — thorubos) as the people did on the death of Jairus‘s daughter (Matthew 9:23 τορυβουμενου — thoruboumenou and Mark 5:38 τορυβου — thorubou) when Jesus asked Τι τορυβειστε — Ti thorubeisthė [source]
For his life is in him [η γαρ πσυχη αυτου εν αυτωι εστιν]
This language is relied on by Ramsay, Wendt, Zoeckler to show that Eutychus had not really died, but had merely swooned. Paul‘s language would suit that view, but it suits equally well the idea that he had just been restored to life and so is indecisive. Furneaux urges also the fact that his friends did not bring him back to the meeting till morning (Acts 20:12) as additional evidence that it was a case of swooning rather than of death. But this again is not conclusive as they would naturally not take him back at once. One will believe here as the facts appeal to him. [source]
Fell on him []
Compare 1 Kings 17:21; 2 Kings 4:34. [source]
Trouble not yourselves [μὴ θορυβεῖσθε]
Rev., more correctly, make ye no ado. They were beginning to utter passionate outcries. See Matthew 9:23; Mark 5:39. [source]
His life is in him []
In the same sense in which Christ said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth” (Luke 8:52). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 20:10

Mark 12:30 Soul [ψυχῆς]
The word is often used in the New Testament in its original meaning of life. See Matthew 2:20; Matthew 20:28; Acts 20:10; Romans 11:3; John 10:11. Hence, as an emphatic designation of the man himself. See Matthew 12:18; Hebrews 10:38; Luke 21:19. So that the word denotes “life in the distinctness of individual existence” (Cremer). See further on ψυχικός , spiritual, 1 Corinthians 15:44. [source]
Acts 17:5 Took unto them [προσλαβομενοι]
Second aorist middle (indirect, to themselves) participle of προσλαμβανω — proslambanō old and common verb. Certain vile fellows of the rabble (των αγοραιων ανδρας τινας πονηρους — tōn agoraiōn andras tinas ponērous). The αγορα — agora or market-place was the natural resort for those with nothing to do (Matthew 20:4) like the court-house square today or various parks in our cities where bench-warmers flock. Plato (Protagoras 347 C) calls these αγοραιοι — agoraioi (common word, but in N.T. only here and Acts 19:38) idlers or good-for-nothing fellows. They are in every city and such “bums” are ready for any job. The church in Thessalonica caught some of these peripatetic idlers (2 Thessalonians 3:10.) “doing nothing but doing about.” So the Jewish preachers gather to themselves a choice collection of these market-loungers or loafers or wharf-rats. The Romans called them subrostrani (hangers round the rostrum or subbasilicari). Gathering a crowd Literally, making or getting Imperfect active of τορυβεω — thorubeō from τορυβος — thorubos (tumult), old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 20:10; Matthew 9:23; Mark 4:39. They kept up the din, this combination of rabbis and rabble. Assaulting the house of Jason Second aorist (ingressive) active of επιστημι — ephistēmi taking a stand against, rushing at, because he was Paul‘s host. He may have been a Gentile (Jason the name of an ancient king of Thessaly), but the Jews often used it for Joshua or Jesus (II Macc. Joshua 1:7). They sought (εζητουν — ezētoun). Imperfect active. They burst into the house and searched up and down. Them Paul and Silas. They were getting ready to have a lynching party. [source]
Acts 17:5 Gathering a crowd [οχλοποιησαντες]
Literally, making or getting Imperfect active of τορυβεω — thorubeō from τορυβος — thorubos (tumult), old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 20:10; Matthew 9:23; Mark 4:39. They kept up the din, this combination of rabbis and rabble. Assaulting the house of Jason Second aorist (ingressive) active of επιστημι — ephistēmi taking a stand against, rushing at, because he was Paul‘s host. He may have been a Gentile (Jason the name of an ancient king of Thessaly), but the Jews often used it for Joshua or Jesus (II Macc. Joshua 1:7). They sought (εζητουν — ezētoun). Imperfect active. They burst into the house and searched up and down. Them Paul and Silas. They were getting ready to have a lynching party. [source]
Acts 17:5 Set the city on an uproar [ετορυβουν]
Imperfect active of τορυβεω — thorubeō from τορυβος — thorubos (tumult), old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 20:10; Matthew 9:23; Mark 4:39. They kept up the din, this combination of rabbis and rabble. [source]
Acts 20:11 When he was gone up [αναβας]
Second aorist active participle in sharp contrast to καταβας — katabas (went down) of Acts 20:10. [source]
Acts 27:9 Paul admonished them [παρηινηι ο Παυλος]
Imperfect active of παραινεω — paraineō old word to exhort from παρα — para and αινεω — aineō to praise (Acts 3:8), only here and Acts 27:22 in N.T. It is remarkable that a prisoner like Paul should venture to give advice at all and to keep on doing it (imperfect tense inchoative, began to admonish and kept on at it). Paul had clearly won the respect of the centurion and officers and also felt it to be his duty to give this unasked for warning. I perceive (τεωρω — theōrō). Old word from τεωρος — theōros a spectator. See note on Luke 10:18. Paul does not here claim prophecy, but he had plenty of experience with three shipwrecks already (2 Corinthians 11:25) to justify his apprehension. Will be Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after μελλειν — mellein in spite of οτι — hoti which would naturally call for present indicative μελλει — mellei an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478). With injury (μετα υβρεως — meta hubreōs). An old word from υπερ — huper (above, upper, like our “uppishness”) and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements. Loss Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 But also of our lives [αλλα και των πσυχων]
Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 And the voyage was now dangerous [και οντος ηδη επισπαλους]
Genitive absolute, “and the voyage being already Because the Fast was now already gone by (δια το και την νηστειαν ηδη παρεληλυτεναι — dia to kai tēn nēsteian ēdē parelēluthenai). Accusative (after δια — dia) of the articular infinitive perfect active of παρερχομαι — parerchomai to pass by, with the accusative of general reference (νηστειαν — nēsteian the great day of atonement of the Jews, Leviticus 16:29.) occurring about the end of September. The ancients considered navigation on the Mediterranean unsafe from early October till the middle of March. In a.d. 59 the Fast occurred on Oct. 5. There is nothing strange in Luke using this Jewish note of time as in Acts 20:6 though a Gentile Christian. Paul did it also (1 Corinthians 16:8). It is no proof that Luke was a Jewish proselyte. We do not know precisely when the party left Caesarea (possibly in August), but in ample time to arrive in Rome before October if conditions had been more favourable. But the contrary winds had made the voyage very slow and difficult all the way (Acts 27:7) besides the long delay here in this harbour of Fair Havens. Paul admonished them Imperfect active of παραινεω — paraineō old word to exhort from παρα — para and αινεω — aineō to praise (Acts 3:8), only here and Acts 27:22 in N.T. It is remarkable that a prisoner like Paul should venture to give advice at all and to keep on doing it (imperfect tense inchoative, began to admonish and kept on at it). Paul had clearly won the respect of the centurion and officers and also felt it to be his duty to give this unasked for warning. I perceive (τεωρω — theōrō). Old word from τεωρος — theōros a spectator. See note on Luke 10:18. Paul does not here claim prophecy, but he had plenty of experience with three shipwrecks already (2 Corinthians 11:25) to justify his apprehension. Will be Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after μελλειν — mellein in spite of οτι — hoti which would naturally call for present indicative μελλει — mellei an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478). With injury (μετα υβρεως — meta hubreōs). An old word from υπερ — huper (above, upper, like our “uppishness”) and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements. Loss Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 Will be [μελλειν εσεσται]
Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after μελλειν — mellein in spite of οτι — hoti which would naturally call for present indicative μελλει — mellei an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478). With injury (μετα υβρεως — meta hubreōs). An old word from υπερ — huper (above, upper, like our “uppishness”) and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements. Loss Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]
Acts 27:9 Loss [ζημιαν]
Old word, opposite of κερδος — kerdos gain or profit (Philemon 3:7.). Nowhere else in N.T. Lading (πορτιου — phortiou). Diminutive of πορτος — phortos (from περω — pherō to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Matthew 11:30; Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46; Galatians 6:5. But also of our lives Common use of πσυχη — psuchē for life, originally “breath of life” (Acts 20:10), and also “soul” (Acts 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (Acts 27:24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul‘s advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 20:10 mean?

Having descended however - Paul fell upon him and having embraced [him] said Not be alarmed the for life of him in is
καταβὰς δὲ Παῦλος ἐπέπεσεν αὐτῷ καὶ συμπεριλαβὼν εἶπεν Μὴ θορυβεῖσθε γὰρ ψυχὴ αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐστιν

καταβὰς  Having  descended 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: καταβαίνω  
Sense: to go down, come down, descend.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Παῦλος  Paul 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Παῦλος  
Sense: Paul was the most famous of the apostles and wrote a good part of the NT, the 4 Pauline epistles.
ἐπέπεσεν  fell  upon 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐπιπίπτω  
Sense: to fall upon, to rush or press upon.
συμπεριλαβὼν  having  embraced  [him] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: συμπεριλαμβάνω  
Sense: to comprehend at once.
εἶπεν  said 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.
θορυβεῖσθε  be  alarmed 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: θορυβέω  
Sense: to make a noise or uproar, be turbulent.
ψυχὴ  life 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ψυχή  
Sense: breath.
αὐτοῦ  of  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.