Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

ACTS 20:38KJV
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Acts 20:38 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:38 mean?

Acts 20:38 describes how the people with Paul were most saddened by his words that they would never see him again, and they walked with him all the way to the ship as he was about to leave. The verse highlights the deep emotional farewell between Paul and the believers in Ephesus.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, saying goodbye before his journey to Jerusalem, where he expects hardship. The group’s sorrow centers on Paul’s statement that they would not see his face anymore, showing the strong bond and affection they shared. The act of accompanying him to the ship underlines their respect and love for him in this final moment together.

The Greek behind Acts 20:38

  • "Sorrowing" (λυπούμενοι, lypoumenoi; G3600) means to be deeply grieved or distressed. The Greek word carries a sense of emotional pain, emphasizing how much Paul's departure affected the group.
  • "Face" (πρόσωπον, prosōpon; G4383) refers to a person’s physical presence, not just their literal face. The Greek here stresses that the loss was about personal relationship and presence, not just seeing someone’s appearance.
  • "Accompanied" (προπέμπω, propempō; G4311) means to escort someone on their way, often as a sign of honor or affection. The use of this word shows they did not just say goodbye from a distance—they walked with Paul to the very end of his time with them.

Why Acts 20:38 matters

  • Acts 20:38 clears up that the main sorrow was not just about Paul leaving, but specifically about his statement that they would never see him again, which made the farewell especially painful.
  • The verse highlights the close relationship between Paul and the Ephesian elders, showing that early Christian communities were marked by deep personal bonds.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the emotional weight of Paul’s ministry and the real human cost of his mission, helping readers understand the seriousness of his journey to Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Sorrowing” Greek G3600 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
  • Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
  • Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

“accompanied” Greek G4311 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
  • Romans 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

“all” Greek G3122 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
  • Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
  • 2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.