Acts 21:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:6 mean?

Acts 21:6 describes how, after saying their goodbyes, Paul and his companions boarded a ship while the local believers who had come to see them off returned to their homes. The verse highlights a moment of parting as Paul continues his journey.

In this scene, Paul is leaving the city of Tyre, where he and his group had stayed with local disciples. The believers, along with their families, had accompanied Paul to the shore to say farewell. This verse simply records the end of that emotional farewell, with Paul’s group setting sail and the others going back to their daily lives.

The Greek behind Acts 21:6

• The word for "leave" is ἀσπασάμενοι (aspasamenoi, G782), which often means to greet or take leave of someone. Here, it carries the sense of a heartfelt farewell, not just a casual goodbye.
• "Ship" is πλοῖον (ploion, G4143), meaning a seafaring vessel. This detail grounds the story in a real journey, showing Paul’s ongoing travels.
• "Returned" is ὑπέστρεψαν (hupestrepsan, G5290), which means to turn back or return. The word suggests the believers went back to their own routines after this significant moment.

Why Acts 21:6 matters

• Acts 21:6 shows the close relationships Paul had with local believers, even when he stayed only a short time, highlighting the warmth and unity among early Christians.
• The verse connects to the larger story of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, marking another step in his determined travel despite warnings and emotional farewells.
• The mention of families and the act of accompanying Paul to the shore paints a vivid picture of the early Christian community’s support and affection, making the narrative more personal and relatable.