They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

ACTS 14:6KJV
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Acts 14:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:6 mean?

Acts 14:6 describes how Paul and Barnabas became aware of a threat against them and escaped to the cities of Lystra and Derbe in the region of Lycaonia, along with the surrounding area. This verse shows their response to danger by moving to a new location to continue their work.

In the story, Paul and Barnabas are traveling missionaries facing opposition in Iconium. When they learn that a group is planning to harm them, they decide to leave for safety. The verse highlights their practical decision to avoid violence and keep spreading their message in other towns.

The Greek behind Acts 14:6

  • "ware" (συνιδόντες, synidontes): This Greek word means "having become aware" or "perceiving together." It emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were alert and recognized the danger as a shared understanding.
  • "fled" (κατέφυγον, katephygon): This word means "they fled" or "they took refuge." It suggests a deliberate action to escape harm, not just a casual departure.
  • "unto" (εἰς, eis): This preposition means "into" or "toward," showing purposeful movement to specific places—Lystra and Derbe.
  • "cities" (πόλεις, poleis): The use of the plural highlights that Lystra and Derbe were both significant towns in the region, not just one destination.

Why Acts 14:6 matters

  • Acts 14:6 clarifies that even early Christian leaders like Paul and Barnabas sometimes chose to avoid danger rather than face it head-on, showing practical wisdom.
  • The verse connects to the wider narrative by showing how opposition in one place led to the spread of their message in new areas, furthering the mission.
  • Understanding the specific regions and cities mentioned helps readers follow the journey and see how the events in Acts are rooted in real, historical locations.

Where else these words appear

“fled” Greek G2703 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

“Derbe” Greek G1191 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

“ware” Greek G4894 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  • Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

“Lystra” Greek G3082 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
  • Acts 16:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.