He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

ACTS 10:6KJV
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Acts 10:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:6 mean?

Acts 10:6 says that Simon Peter is staying with a man named Simon, who works as a tanner and lives in a house by the sea. The verse explains that Peter will give important instructions to the person seeking him.

This verse is part of a message given to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, by an angel. Cornelius is told exactly where to find Peter, including the name and occupation of his host, and that Peter will tell him what he needs to do next. The details about Simon the tanner’s house by the sea help Cornelius’s messengers locate Peter in Joppa.

The Greek behind Acts 10:6

  • The word for "tanner" is βυρσεύς (burseus), which refers to someone who works with animal hides. This job was considered ritually unclean by many Jews, highlighting Peter’s willingness to stay with someone on the social margins.
  • The phrase "by the sea side" uses the Greek word θάλασσα (thalassa) for "sea," and the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside" or "by." This gives a precise location, showing the practical detail in the instructions.
  • The verb "shall tell" is λαλέω (laleō), which means "to speak" or "to tell." It emphasizes that Peter will communicate something specific and necessary to Cornelius.

Why Acts 10:6 matters

  • Acts 10:6 shows how God uses very specific instructions to guide people, making it clear that Cornelius’s search for Peter is intentional and divinely directed.
  • The mention of Peter staying with a tanner hints at the breaking down of traditional Jewish boundaries, preparing for the inclusion of Gentiles in the church.
  • This verse sets up the meeting between Peter and Cornelius, which becomes a turning point in Acts where the message of Jesus is opened to non-Jews.

Where else these words appear

“tanner” Greek G1038 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

“lodgeth” Greek G3579 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
  • Acts 17:20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
  • Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

“side” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;