And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

ACTS 14:12KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 14:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:12 mean?

Acts 14:12 describes how the people in the city of Lystra reacted to Paul and Barnabas after witnessing a miracle: they called Barnabas "Jupiter" (the Roman god Zeus) and Paul "Mercurius" (the Roman god Hermes), because Paul was the main speaker. The crowd believed the two men were gods visiting them in human form.

In this scene, Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra, a city in the Roman province of Galatia, speaking to a mostly non-Jewish audience. After Paul heals a man who had never walked, the local people interpret the miracle through their own religious beliefs, identifying Barnabas with Zeus (the chief god) and Paul with Hermes (the messenger god), since Paul did most of the talking. This reaction sets the stage for the confusion and challenges that follow in the story.

Where else these words appear

“Jupiter” Greek G2203 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

“Mercurius” Greek G2060 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

“because” Greek G1894 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
  • Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

“chief” Greek G2233 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
  • Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.