Acts 21:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:5 mean?

Acts 21:5 describes how, after Paul and his companions finished their stay in Tyre, the entire local Christian community—including men, women, and children—accompanied them out of the city. Before Paul departed, everyone knelt together on the shore and prayed. This scene highlights the deep bond and shared faith among early believers.

Paul is traveling toward Jerusalem, and the believers in Tyre are seeing him off. The fact that whole families come along and that they all kneel in prayer shows the seriousness of the moment and the affection they feel for Paul. The verse paints a picture of a close-knit group, united in faith and concern for one another, marking Paul’s departure with a heartfelt act of prayer.

The Greek behind Acts 21:5

• ἐξήλθομεν (exēlthomen, "departed"): This word means to go out or leave. The Greek here emphasizes a purposeful departure, not just a casual leaving.
• προέπεμπον (proepempon, "brought us on our way"): This word often means to accompany someone partway on a journey as a sign of support and respect. It shows that the believers were not just saying goodbye but were actively involved in sending Paul off.
• γυναιξί (gynaixi, "wives") and τέκνοις (teknois, "children"): The Greek specifically mentions women and children, highlighting that the whole community, not just the men or leaders, participated in this farewell.
• γονυπετήσαντες (gonypetēsantes, "kneeled down"): This word means to kneel, often as an act of humility or earnestness in prayer. The detail of kneeling on the shore adds emotional weight to the scene.

Why Acts 21:5 matters

• Acts 21:5 shows that the early Christian community was deeply connected, with everyone—including families—actively involved in supporting one another, not just the leaders or men.
• The act of kneeling in prayer on the shore underscores the seriousness and emotional depth of the moment, as Paul is about to face danger in Jerusalem.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the repeated pattern of prayer and fellowship that marks Paul’s journeys, emphasizing the importance of communal faith and support in the early church.