And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

ACTS 16:32KJV
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Acts 16:32 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:32 mean?

Acts 16:32 describes Paul and Silas telling a jailer and the people in his house about the Lord. Their answer to the jailer’s urgent question includes speaking to the whole household, not just giving him a brief reply.

The jailer had asked what he must do to be saved, and Paul and Silas had told him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30–31). Verse 32 then shows them speaking at greater length. “The word of the Lord” refers to the message they brought about the Lord.

The Greek behind Acts 16:32

  • “word” — λόγος (logos): This word can mean a message or something spoken. Here it points to what Paul and Silas communicated, rather than to a single word.
  • “house” — οἰκία (oikia): This word can refer to a home or household. Here the people are identified by their place in the jailer’s home.

Why Acts 16:32 matters

  • The message reaches beyond the jailer. “All that were in his house” hear Paul and Silas speak.
  • The verse helps connect the jailer’s question with what follows. After hearing Paul and Silas, the jailer and his household are baptized, and he rejoices, believing in God (Acts 16:33–34).

Where else these words appear

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
  • Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.