And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

ACTS 20:9KJV
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Acts 20:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:9 mean?

Acts 20:9 describes a young man named Eutychus who, while sitting in a window during Paul’s lengthy preaching, fell into a deep sleep and then fell from the third story, resulting in his death. The verse highlights the real and dramatic event that took place as Paul was speaking to the gathered believers.

Paul was speaking to a group of Christians in Troas, likely late into the night, which is why Eutychus became so tired. The setting is practical and relatable: a crowded upper room, a long sermon, and a young man trying to stay awake but eventually overcome by sleep. The verse sets up the miracle that follows, showing both the humanity of the early church and the seriousness of the situation.

Where else these words appear

“window” Greek G2376 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

“fallen” Greek G2702 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

“deep” Greek G901 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • John 4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

“man” Greek G3494 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
  • Acts 23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.