But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

ACTS 16:28KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 16:28 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:28 mean?

Acts 16:28 shows Paul urgently stopping the jailer from harming himself, assuring him that none of the prisoners have escaped. Paul’s loud call prevents the jailer from taking drastic action, making it clear that everyone is still present after the earthquake.

Paul is speaking directly to the jailer, who is about to harm himself because he thinks the prisoners have escaped—a failure that would have brought severe punishment. The verse highlights Paul’s quick response and concern for the jailer’s life, setting the stage for the events that follow, where the jailer’s life and beliefs are dramatically changed.

The Greek behind Acts 16:28

  • κράζω (krazo, “cried”): This word means to shout or cry out loudly, often in urgent or emotional situations. Paul’s use of this word shows the intensity and urgency of his warning.
  • φωνή (phōnē, “voice”): This word refers to a sound or voice, and paired with “loud” (μεγάλη, megale), it emphasizes that Paul wanted to make absolutely sure the jailer heard him above the chaos.
  • κακός (kakos, “harm”): This word often means evil, bad, or harmful. Paul is not just telling the jailer not to hurt himself physically but is also stopping a tragic and irreversible act.

Why Acts 16:28 matters

  • Acts 16:28 clarifies that none of the prisoners tried to escape, which would have been expected after an earthquake opened the prison doors. This sets up the miraculous and unusual nature of the event.
  • The verse shows Paul’s compassion and presence of mind, caring for the jailer’s well-being even though he was a prisoner himself.
  • This moment is a turning point in the story, leading to the jailer’s conversion and the spread of the message in Philippi. It highlights how faith and mercy can break through fear and desperation.

Where else these words appear

“here” Greek G1759 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • John 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

“Do” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“cried” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • John 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;