The Meaning of Acts 23:35 Explained

Acts 23:35

KJV: I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

YLT: I will hear thee -- said he -- when thine accusers also may have come;' he also commanded him to be kept in the praetorium of Herod.

Darby: he said, I will hear thee fully when thine accusers also are arrived. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's praetorium.

ASV: I will hear thee fully, said he, when thine accusers also are come: and he commanded him to be kept in Herod's palace.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

I will hear  thee,  said he,  when  thine  accusers  are  also  come.  And  he commanded  him  to be kept  in  Herod's  judgment hall. 

What does Acts 23:35 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 23:25-35 - Sent To A Roman Tribunal
Antipatris was forty-two miles from Jerusalem. The escort and their prisoner made the forced march in a night. Next day the legionaries marched back to Jerusalem while the mounted soldiers rode forward to Caesarea, which was twenty-six miles farther on. The Apostle therefore entered Caesarea in a guise different from that in which he had left it, Acts 21:16. Philip and the other Christians must have been startled to see how soon their forebodings were fulfilled as the great missionary, from whom they had parted with so many tears, rode through the streets surrounded by soldiers.
When Felix read the letter which Lysias had sent explaining the case, he handed Paul over to a soldier to be kept in one of the guard-rooms of the old palace which now formed the stately residence of the governors of Judea. What mingled feelings must have filled that lion heart, as he realized that, while Rome had him in her power, all the artifice of his bitter foes would now be powerless to do him bodily harm. The psalms which he had sung at Philippi would come to mind with added force as he strengthened his soul in God. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 23

1  As Paul pleads his cause,
2  Ananias commands them to strike him
7  Dissension among his accusers
11  God encourages him
14  The Jews' vow to kill Paul,
20  is declared unto the chief captain
27  He sends him to Felix the governor

Greek Commentary for Acts 23:35

I will hear thy cause [διακουσομαι]
“I will hear thee fully” (δια — dia). [source]
When--are come [παραγενωνται]
Second aorist middle subjunctive of παραγινομαι — paraginomai with temporal conjunction οταν — hotan indefinite temporal clause of future time (Robertson, Grammar, p. 972), “whenever thine accusers come.” In Herod‘s palace (εν τωι πραιτωριωι — en tōi praitōriōi). The Latin word πραετοριυμ — praetorium The word meant the camp of the general, then the palace of the governor as here and Matthew 27:27 which see, and then the camp of praetorian soldiers or rather the praetorian guard as in Philemon 1:13. [source]
In Herod‘s palace [εν τωι πραιτωριωι]
The Latin word πραετοριυμ — praetorium The word meant the camp of the general, then the palace of the governor as here and Matthew 27:27 which see, and then the camp of praetorian soldiers or rather the praetorian guard as in Philemon 1:13. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 23:35

Matthew 27:27 Into the palace [εις το πραιτωριον]
In Rome the praetorium was the camp of the praetorian (from praetor) guard of soldiers (Philemon 1:13), but in the provinces it was the palace in which the governor resided as in Acts 23:35 in Caesarea. So here in Jerusalem Pilate ordered Jesus and all the band or cohort (ολην την σπειραν — holēn tēn speiran) of soldiers to be led into the palace in front of which the judgment-seat had been placed. The Latin spira was anything rolled into a circle like a twisted ball of thread. These Latin words are natural here in the atmosphere of the court and the military environment. The soldiers were gathered together for the sport of seeing the scourging. These heathen soldiers would also enjoy showing their contempt for the Jews as well as for the condemned man. [source]
John 18:28 Hall of judgment [πραιτώριον]
A Latin word, proetorium, transcribed. Originally, the general's tent. In the Roman provinces it was the name for the official residence of the Roman governor, as here. Compare Acts 23:35. It came to be applied to any spacious villa or palace. So Juvenal: “To their crimes they are indebted for their gardens, palaces (proetoria ), etc.” (“Sat.,” i., 75). In Rome the term was applied to the proetorian guard, or imperial bodyguard. See on Philemon 1:13. Rev., palace. [source]
John 18:28 They lead [αγουσιν]
Dramatic historical present of αγω — agō plural “they” for the Sanhedrists (Luke 23:1). John gives no details of the trial before the Sanhedrin (only the fact, John 18:24, John 18:28) when Caiaphas presided, either the informal meeting at night (Mark 14:53, Mark 14:55-65; Matthew 26:57, Matthew 26:59-68; Luke 22:54, Luke 22:63-65) or the formal ratification meeting after dawn (Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1; Luke 22:66-71), but he gives much new material of the trial before Pilate (John 18:28-38). Into the palace For the history and meaning of this interesting Latin word, praetorium, see note on Matthew 27:27; note on Acts 23:35; and note on Philemon 1:13. Here it is probably the magnificent palace in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great for himself and occupied by the Roman Procurator (governor) when in the city. There was also one in Caesarea (Acts 23:35). Herod‘s palace in Jerusalem was on the Hill of Zion in the western part of the upper city. There is something to be said for the Castle of Antonia, north of the temple area, as the location of Pilate‘s residence in Jerusalem. Early Technically the fourth watch (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.). There were two violations of Jewish legal procedure (holding the trial for a capital case at night, passing condemnation on the same day of the trial). Besides, the Sanhedrin no longer had the power of death. A Roman court could meet any time after sunrise. John (John 19:14) says it was “about the sixth hour” when Pilate condemned Jesus. That they might not be defiled Purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of μιαινω — miainō to stain, to defile. For Jewish scruples about entering the house of a Gentile see Acts 10:28; Acts 11:3. But might eat the passover Second aorist active subjunctive of the defective verb εστιω — esthiō to eat. This phrase may mean to eat the passover meal as in Matthew 27:17 (Mark 14:12, Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11, Luke 22:15), but it does not have to mean that. In 2 Chronicles 30:22 we read: “And they did eat the festival seven days” when the paschal festival is meant, not the paschal lamb or the paschal supper. There are eight other examples of πασχα — pascha in John‘s Gospel and in all of them the feast is meant, not the supper. If we follow John‘s use of the word, it is the feast here, not the meal of John 13:2 which was the regular passover meal. This interpretation keeps John in harmony with the Synoptics. [source]
Acts 25:16 Before that the accused have [πριν η ο κατηγορουμενος εχοι]
This use of the optative in this temporal clause with πριν η — prin ē instead of the subjunctive αν εχηι — an echēi is in conformity with literary Greek and occurs only in Luke‘s writings in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 970). This sequence of modes is a mark of the literary style occasionally seen in Luke. It is interesting here to note the succession of dependent clauses in Acts 25:14-16.The accusers face to face (κατα προσωπον τους κατηγορους — kata prosōpon tous katēgorous). Same word κατηγορος — katēgoros as in Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:18. This all sounds fair enough. And have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him Literally, “And should receive (λαβοι — laboi optative for same reason as εχοι — echoi above, second aorist active of λαμβανω — lambanō) opportunity for defence (objective genitive) concerning the charge” (εγκληματος — egklēmatos in N.T. only here and Acts 23:19 which see). [source]
Acts 25:16 The accusers face to face [κατα προσωπον τους κατηγορους]
Same word κατηγορος — katēgoros as in Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:18. This all sounds fair enough. [source]
Philippians 1:13 Throughout the whole praetorian guard [εν ολωι τωι πραιτωριωι]
There were originally ten thousand of these picked soldiers, concentrated in Rome by Tiberius. They had double pay and special privileges and became so powerful that emperors had to court their favour. Paul had contact with one after another of these soldiers. It is a Latin word, but the meaning is not certain, for in the other New Testament examples (Matthew 27:27; Mark 15:16; John 18:28, John 18:33; John 19:9; Acts 23:35) it means the palace of the provincial governor either in Jerusalem or Caesarea. In Rome “palace” would have to be the emperor‘s palace, a possible meaning for Paul a provincial writing to provincials (Kennedy). Some take it to mean the camp or barracks of the praetorian guard. The Greek, “in the whole praetorium,” allows this meaning, though there is no clear example of it. Mommsen and Ramsay argue for the judicial authorities (praefecti praetorio) with the assessors of the imperial court. At any rate Paul, chained to a soldier, had access to the soldiers and the officials. [source]
Revelation 12:10 The accuser [ο κατηγωρ]
The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful. [source]
Revelation 12:10 Now is come [αρτι εγενετο]
Αρτι — Arti (John 13:33) shows how recent the downfall of Satan here proleptically pictured as behind us in time (aorist tense εγενετο — egeneto).The salvation (η σωτηρια — hē sōtēria). Here “the victory” as in Revelation 7:10; Revelation 19:1.The power Gods power over the dragon (cf. Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:17; Revelation 19:1).The kingdom (η βασιλεια — hē basileia). “The empire of God” as in Revelation 11:15.The authority of his Christ Which Christ received from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). See Revelation 11:15 (Psalm 2:2) for “his Anointed.”The accuser (ο κατηγωρ — ho katēgōr). The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful.Of our brethren The saints still on earth battling with Satan and his devices.Which accuseth them (ο κατηγορων αυτους — ho katēgorōn autous). Articular present active participle of κατηγορεω — katēgoreō old verb, to accuse, usually with the genitive of the person (John 5:45), but here with the accusative. This is the devil‘s constant occupation (Job 1:6.).Day and night Genitive of time. “By day and by night.” [source]
Revelation 12:10 The power [η δυναμις]
Gods power over the dragon (cf. Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:17; Revelation 19:1).The kingdom (η βασιλεια — hē basileia). “The empire of God” as in Revelation 11:15.The authority of his Christ Which Christ received from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). See Revelation 11:15 (Psalm 2:2) for “his Anointed.”The accuser (ο κατηγωρ — ho katēgōr). The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful.Of our brethren The saints still on earth battling with Satan and his devices.Which accuseth them (ο κατηγορων αυτους — ho katēgorōn autous). Articular present active participle of κατηγορεω — katēgoreō old verb, to accuse, usually with the genitive of the person (John 5:45), but here with the accusative. This is the devil‘s constant occupation (Job 1:6.).Day and night Genitive of time. “By day and by night.” [source]
Revelation 12:10 The authority of his Christ [η εχουσια του Χριστου αυτου]
Which Christ received from the Father (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). See Revelation 11:15 (Psalm 2:2) for “his Anointed.”The accuser (ο κατηγωρ — ho katēgōr). The regular form, κατηγορος — katēgoros occurs in John 8:10; Acts 23:30, Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16, Acts 25:18 and in many MSS. here in Revelation 12:10, but A reads κατηγωρ — katēgōr which Westcott and Hort accept. It was once considered a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew word, but Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 93f.) quotes it from a vernacular magical papyrus of the fourth century a.d. with no sign of Jewish or Christian influence, just as διακων — diakōn appears as a vernacular form of διακονος — diakonos Only here is the word applied to Satan in the N.T. In late Judaism Satan is the accuser, and Michael the defender, of the faithful.Of our brethren The saints still on earth battling with Satan and his devices.Which accuseth them (ο κατηγορων αυτους — ho katēgorōn autous). Articular present active participle of κατηγορεω — katēgoreō old verb, to accuse, usually with the genitive of the person (John 5:45), but here with the accusative. This is the devil‘s constant occupation (Job 1:6.).Day and night Genitive of time. “By day and by night.” [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 23:35 mean?

I will hear fully you he was saying when also the accusers of you may have arrived having commanded in the Praetorium - of Herod to be guarded him
Διακούσομαί σου ἔφη Ὅταν καὶ οἱ κατήγοροί σου παραγένωνται κελεύσας ἐν τῷ πραιτωρίῳ τοῦ Ἡρῴδου φυλάσσεσθαι αὐτόν

Διακούσομαί  I  will  hear  fully 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 1st Person Singular
Root: διακούω  
Sense: to hear one through, hear to the end, hear with care, hear fully.
ἔφη  he  was  saying 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: φημί  
Sense: to make known one’s thoughts, to declare.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
κατήγοροί  accusers 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: κατήγορος 
Sense: an accuser.
σου  of  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
παραγένωνται  may  have  arrived 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: παραγίνομαι  
Sense: to be present, to come near, approach.
κελεύσας  having  commanded 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κελεύω  
Sense: to command, to order.
πραιτωρίῳ  Praetorium 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: πραιτώριον  
Sense: “head-quarters” in a Roman camp, the tent of the commander-in-chief.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἡρῴδου  of  Herod 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἡρῴδης  
Sense: the name of a royal family that flourished among the Jews in the times of Christ and the Apostles.
φυλάσσεσθαι  to  be  guarded 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Passive
Root: φυλάσσω  
Sense: to guard.