And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

ACTS 21:9KJV
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Acts 21:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:9 mean?

Acts 21:9 states that Philip, one of the early Christian leaders, had four unmarried daughters who were known for prophesying. This verse highlights that these young women were recognized for their spiritual gifts within the early Christian community.

In the setting of Acts 21, Paul is visiting Philip’s house in Caesarea. The mention of Philip’s four daughters, described as "virgins" and "which did prophesy," shows that women played visible roles in the early church, especially in sharing messages believed to come from God. The verse stands out because it notes both their number and their spiritual activity, which was notable enough for Luke, the author, to record.

The Greek behind Acts 21:9

  • "παρθένοι" (parthenoi, G3933): This word means "virgins" or unmarried women. The use of this term emphasizes their unmarried status, which in that culture often implied a certain freedom or dedication to religious service.
  • "προφητεύουσαι" (prophēteuousai, G4395): This word means "prophesying" or speaking forth messages believed to be inspired by God. The Greek here shows that these daughters were actively recognized for this spiritual gift, not just passively present.

Why Acts 21:9 matters

  • Acts 21:9 clarifies that women, including young unmarried women, were publicly recognized for spiritual gifts like prophecy in the early church, challenging assumptions that only men held such roles.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative by showing the spiritual atmosphere in Philip’s household, setting the stage for later prophetic messages in the chapter.
  • By naming and counting the daughters, the verse emphasizes their significance, suggesting that their prophetic activity was well known and respected among early Christians.

Where else these words appear

“virgins” Greek G3933 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

“prophesy” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

“daughters” Greek G2364 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
  • Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

“four” Greek G5064 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
  • Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.