And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

ACTS 20:36KJV
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Acts 20:36 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:36 mean?

Acts 20:36 describes how, after finishing his speech, Paul knelt down and prayed together with everyone present. This verse shows a moment of shared prayer and deep emotion as Paul prepares to leave the people he has been speaking to.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, gathered with him in Miletus. After giving them his final instructions and warnings, Paul leads them in prayer, kneeling as a sign of humility and earnestness. This scene marks a heartfelt farewell, highlighting the close bond between Paul and these church leaders.

The Greek behind Acts 20:36

  • The word "kneeled" is from the Greek word γονυπετήσας (gonypetēsas), which literally means to bend the knee. In the culture of the time, kneeling was a posture of deep humility and reverence, especially in prayer, showing the seriousness of the moment.
  • The word "prayed" is προσηύξατο (prosēuxato), which refers to speaking to God, often with a sense of earnest request or intercession. Here, it emphasizes that Paul is not just giving instructions but entrusting the people to God’s care.

Why Acts 20:36 matters

  • This verse highlights the emotional depth of Paul’s relationship with the Ephesian elders, showing that their connection was not just formal or organizational, but deeply spiritual and personal.
  • The act of kneeling together in prayer underscores the humility and dependence on God that Paul modeled for these leaders, setting an example for how to face difficult goodbyes or uncertain futures.
  • Placing this prayer right after Paul’s farewell speech connects his words to his actions, showing that his trust was ultimately in God, not just in his own leadership or the abilities of the elders.

Where else these words appear

“kneeled” Greek G1119 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
  • Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
  • Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

“prayed” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

“down” Greek G5087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • Acts 13:29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

“with” Greek G4862 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.