For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

ACTS 17:20KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 17:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:20 mean?

Acts 17:20 shows the people of Athens telling Paul that the things he is saying sound very unusual to them, and they are asking him to explain what these new ideas mean. The verse highlights their curiosity and willingness to hear more about Paul's message, even though it sounds strange to them.

In this scene, Paul is in Athens, speaking in public about Jesus and the resurrection. The local philosophers and thinkers, known for discussing new ideas, have brought Paul to the Areopagus (a council or meeting place) to ask him about his teachings. Their statement in this verse is polite but direct—they are unfamiliar with Paul's message and want to understand it better.

The Greek behind Acts 17:20

  • The word "strange things" comes from the Greek ξενίζοντα (xenizonta, from the root ξένος/xenos, meaning "foreign" or "strange"). This shows that Paul's teachings were completely new and unfamiliar to the Athenians.
  • The Greek word for "mean" is θέλειν εἶναι (thelein einai), which carries the sense of wanting to know what something "wishes to be" or "intends to be." This suggests the Athenians are not just curious but are seeking the purpose or significance behind Paul's message.

Why Acts 17:20 matters

  • This verse shows the open-mindedness of the Athenians—they do not reject Paul outright but invite him to explain further, which sets the stage for Paul's speech about the "unknown god."
  • The verse highlights how Paul's message about Jesus was completely new to the Greek world, emphasizing the cultural gap between early Christianity and Greek philosophy.
  • Acts 17:20 helps readers see that early Christian preaching often met with curiosity and questions, not just opposition or acceptance, reflecting the real process of sharing new beliefs in a diverse world.

Where else these words appear

“bringest” Greek G1533 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

“things” Greek G3579 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

“ears” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

“would” Greek G1014 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.