Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

ACTS 20:26KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 20:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:26 mean?

Acts 20:26 means that Paul is declaring to his listeners that he has done his duty and is not responsible for anyone’s spiritual loss or wrongdoing. He is saying that he is “pure from the blood of all men,” meaning he has not failed to warn or teach anyone what they needed to hear.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he prepares to leave them, likely for the last time. He wants them to know that he has faithfully shared everything God wanted him to share, so he cannot be blamed if anyone chooses to reject the message. This statement comes as part of his farewell, emphasizing his clear conscience and the seriousness of his mission.

The Greek behind Acts 20:26

  • “pure” (καθαρὸς, katharos): This word means clean or free from guilt. Paul is stressing that he has not neglected his responsibility, so he is not guilty of anyone’s “blood.”
  • “blood” (αἷμα, haima): In this context, “blood” is often understood as a symbol for responsibility in matters of life and death, especially spiritual life. Paul is using language that echoes Old Testament warnings about failing to warn others.
  • “take you to record” (μαρτύρομαι, martyromai): This word means to testify or call as a witness. Paul is formally calling the elders to witness his statement, underlining the seriousness of what he is saying.

Why Acts 20:26 matters

  • Acts 20:26 clears up that Paul is not claiming perfection, but rather that he has fulfilled his duty to share the message with everyone he could.
  • The verse highlights the weight of responsibility for those who teach or lead others, especially in spiritual matters.
  • This statement connects to the wider passage, where Paul urges the elders to be watchful and diligent, just as he has been, because the responsibility for others’ well-being is serious.

Where else these words appear

“take” Greek G3143 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
  • Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

“pure” Greek G2513 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

“this” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
  • 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.

“Wherefore” Greek G1352 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 27:8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
  • Romans 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
  • Philemon 1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,