I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

ACTS 20:35KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 20:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:35 mean?

Acts 20:35 describes how Paul reminds his listeners that working hard is important so that they can help those who are weak or in need, and that Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The verse encourages generosity and caring for others, highlighting that giving brings a special kind of happiness or blessing.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he prepares to leave them, sharing final instructions and encouragement. He points to his own example of hard work and support for the vulnerable, and he quotes a teaching of Jesus that is not recorded elsewhere in the Gospels, emphasizing the value Jesus placed on giving rather than receiving.

The Greek behind Acts 20:35

  • The word “support” (ἀντιλαμβάνομαι, antilambanomai) means to help, take hold of, or assist. Paul uses it to stress actively helping those who are weak, not just feeling sympathy.
  • The word “weak” (ἀσθενέω, astheneō) refers to those who are physically, financially, or otherwise lacking strength or resources. Paul’s instruction is to care for people who can’t help themselves.
  • The phrase “more blessed” (μακάριον, makarios) means fortunate, happy, or favored by God. The Greek here carries the sense that giving brings a deeper, lasting happiness than receiving does.

Why Acts 20:35 matters

  • Acts 20:35 clears up the idea that blessing is only about receiving good things; Paul highlights that giving is actually the greater blessing, according to Jesus.
  • This verse connects Paul’s personal example with Jesus’ teaching, showing that Christian leaders are called to practical generosity and care for the needy.
  • The quote from Jesus is unique to this passage, reminding readers that not all of Jesus’ words are found in the Gospels, and that early Christians preserved his teachings in various ways.

Where else these words appear

“support” Greek G482 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
  • 1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

“shewed” Greek G5263 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

“labouring” Greek G2872 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
  • Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

“remember” Greek G3421 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
  • Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
  • 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: