For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

ACTS 18:10KJV
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Acts 18:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:10 mean?

Acts 18:10 records God reassuring Paul that He is present with him, promising that no one will harm him in Corinth because there are many people in the city who belong to God. This verse is a direct encouragement to Paul, letting him know he is not alone and his mission in Corinth will be protected.

In the context of Acts 18, Paul is in Corinth facing opposition as he shares the message about Jesus. God speaks to Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid and to keep speaking. The statement about having "much people in this city" highlights that God already knows those who will respond to Paul's message, and Paul’s work there is part of a larger plan.

The Greek behind Acts 18:10

  • The word for "with" is μετὰ (meta), which often means close association or accompaniment. Here, it emphasizes God's personal presence alongside Paul, not just distant support.
  • The phrase "no man shall set on thee to hurt thee" uses the Greek ἐπιθήσεται (epithēsetai, "set on") and κακῶσαί (kakōsai, "to hurt"). These words together stress active harm or attack, assuring Paul of real safety from physical danger.
  • The word for "people" is λαός (laos), which in Greek often refers to a group belonging to God or a chosen community. It hints that God sees beyond outward appearances and recognizes His own among the population of Corinth.

Why Acts 18:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s safety in Corinth is not just luck or circumstance; it is a direct result of God’s promise and presence.
  • The reassurance that God has "much people" in the city shows that even in places that seem spiritually resistant, God is already at work and has a purpose.
  • Acts 18:10 connects to the wider story by explaining why Paul stays in Corinth for an extended time, despite earlier threats and opposition.

Where else these words appear

“hurt” Greek G2559 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
  • Acts 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

“For” Greek G1360 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

“on” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

“this” Greek G5026 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • Acts 23:13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.