Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

ACTS 20:23KJV
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Acts 20:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:23 mean?

Acts 20:23 means that the Holy Spirit is making it clear to Paul, city after city, that he will face imprisonment and suffering ahead. Paul is saying that he knows trouble is waiting for him wherever he goes, because God’s Spirit keeps warning him about it.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he prepares to leave them, likely for the last time. He is explaining that he is compelled to go to Jerusalem, even though he does not know all that will happen there. The verse shows that Paul’s journey is guided by the Holy Spirit, who is not promising safety, but rather warning Paul that hardship is certain in every place he visits.

The Greek behind Acts 20:23

  • ἅγιον (hagion, “Holy”) and πνεῦμα (pneuma, “Spirit” or “Ghost”): These words together refer to the Holy Spirit, showing that the warning comes from God’s own presence and guidance, not just Paul’s own feelings.
  • διαμαρτύρεται (diamartyretai, “witnesseth”): This Greek word often means to testify strongly or to give a solemn warning. Here, it emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not just hinting but clearly and repeatedly warning Paul.
  • δεσμοί (desmoi, “bonds”) and θλίψεις (thlipsēis, “afflictions”): These words point to real, physical suffering—imprisonment and troubles—that Paul is being told to expect, not just vague difficulties.

Why Acts 20:23 matters

  • Acts 20:23 clears up any idea that following God’s leading always means comfort or safety; Paul is being led by the Holy Spirit straight into hardship.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s honesty with the Ephesian elders, showing that he is not hiding the cost of his mission or pretending that faith removes suffering.
  • This warning from the Holy Spirit connects to the larger story in Acts, where Paul’s path to Jerusalem is marked by both obedience and danger, setting the stage for the trials he will face in the chapters ahead.

Where else these words appear

“witnesseth” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

“bonds” Greek G1199 · used in 20 verses

  • Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

“Save” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
  • John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

“afflictions” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
  • Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.