For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

ACTS 17:28KJV
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Acts 17:28 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:28 mean?

Acts 17:28 says that all people depend on God for life, movement, and existence, and even some of the local poets have recognized that humans are God’s children. Paul uses this idea to show his listeners that God is not distant or unknown, but is the source of everything about human life.

Paul is speaking to a group of Greek philosophers and thinkers in Athens, explaining who the true God is. He quotes their own poets to connect with them, showing that even their culture hints at a relationship between God and humanity. Paul’s point is that God is close and involved, not far away or uninvolved, and that everyone’s life is rooted in Him.

The Greek behind Acts 17:28

  • "ἐν" (en): This word means "in" and here carries the sense of being completely surrounded or encompassed by God’s presence, not just physically but in every aspect of life.
  • "ζῶμεν" (zōmen): Translated as "we live," this word includes the idea of ongoing life and vitality that comes from God.
  • "κινούμεθα" (kinoumetha): This word means "we move," and it suggests not just physical movement but all activity and action being sustained by God.
  • "γένος" (genos): Translated as "offspring," this word means family or kind, emphasizing that humans share a special relationship to God as His children.

Why Acts 17:28 matters

  • Acts 17:28 clears up the idea that God is distant or uninvolved; Paul stresses that God is the very source of life and existence for everyone.
  • By quoting Greek poets, Paul builds a bridge between his message and the culture of his audience, showing that the truth about God is not limited to one nation or tradition.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in Athens that God is knowable and personal, not an unknown force or idol, and that everyone is invited to seek and know Him.

Where else these words appear

“poets” Greek G4163 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
  • James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
  • James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

“move” Greek G2795 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
  • Acts 24:5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

“offspring” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

“being” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
  • Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.