Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

ACTS 13:16KJV
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Acts 13:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:16 mean?

Acts 13:16 describes Paul standing up and signaling with his hand to get the attention of his listeners, then inviting both Israelites and those who respect God to listen to what he is about to say. The verse sets the stage for Paul’s speech by showing he is addressing a mixed audience and wants everyone to pay close attention.

Paul is in a synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, speaking to both Jewish people ("Men of Israel") and non-Jews who worship God ("ye that fear God"). By beckoning with his hand, Paul uses a common gesture to quiet the room and signal that something important is about to be said. This introduction shows Paul’s respect for his audience and his desire to include everyone present in what follows.

The Greek behind Acts 13:16

  • ἐκτείνας (kataseisas, “beckoning”): This word means to gesture or signal, often with the hand, to get attention. Paul’s use of this gesture shows he is taking a formal role as a speaker and wants the room’s focus.
  • ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται (andres Israēlitai, “Men of Israel”): This phrase directly addresses Jewish men, marking them as a primary audience.
  • οἱ φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν (hoi phoboumenoi ton theon, “ye that fear God”): This phrase refers to Gentiles who respected and worshiped the God of Israel, showing Paul’s awareness of a broader audience beyond just Jews.

Why Acts 13:16 matters

  • Acts 13:16 clarifies that Paul’s message is meant for both Jews and Gentile God-fearers, highlighting the inclusive nature of his preaching.
  • The verse sets the tone for the speech that follows, showing Paul’s authority and the seriousness of his message by the way he commands attention.
  • Understanding the audience helps explain the content and approach of Paul’s sermon in the rest of the chapter, which addresses both Jewish history and the wider invitation to faith.

Where else these words appear

“beckoning” Greek G2678 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
  • Acts 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
  • Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

“Israel” Greek G2475 · used in 9 verses

  • John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

“fear” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

“up” Greek G450 · used in 111 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.