And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

ACTS 17:30KJV
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Acts 17:30 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:30 mean?

Acts 17:30 presents a change in how God addresses human ignorance. Paul says God formerly “winked at” such ignorance, but now commands people everywhere to turn away from it. The command reaches beyond the people listening to Paul in Athens.

Paul is speaking to Athenians who had objects of worship throughout their city. His words follow his point that God should not be imagined as an image made from gold, silver, or stone. The verse contrasts those earlier “times of ignorance” with the command given “now.”

The Greek behind Acts 17:30

  • “winked at” — ὑπεροράω (hyperoraō): The Greek carries the sense of overlooking or passing over. In the KJV, “winked at” can sound as if God approved of ignorance, but the phrase here points instead to overlooking it.

  • “repent” — μετανοέω (metanoeō): The word often carries the sense of changing one’s mind or turning from a former way of thinking. In Paul’s speech, the command follows his challenge to mistaken ideas about God.

Why Acts 17:30 matters

  • The command is not limited to one city or people. Paul says “all men every where,” while speaking to an audience in Athens.

  • The word “now” gives the command urgency within Paul’s argument. The next verse connects that “now” to a coming day when God will judge the world through a man he has appointed.

  • Paul’s point about ignorance is tied to worship. Earlier in the speech, he refers to an altar marked “To the Unknown God” and tells his listeners about the God they worship without knowing.

Where else these words appear

“ignorance” Greek G52 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
  • Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
  • 1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

“now” Greek G3569 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
  • Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

“where” Greek G3837 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
  • Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

“commandeth” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;