And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

ACTS 22:9KJV
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Acts 22:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:9 mean?

Acts 22:9 describes how the people with Paul saw a bright light and became afraid, but they did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to Paul. This highlights that while others witnessed something unusual, only Paul understood the message being given.

In this verse, Paul is telling his story to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining what happened to him on the road to Damascus. He emphasizes that his companions saw the light and were frightened, but they did not hear the voice (or did not understand it) that spoke directly to him. This detail shows that the experience was personal and unique to Paul, even though others were present.

The Greek behind Acts 22:9

  • φωνή (phōnē, "voice"): The Greek word used here can mean "sound" or "voice." The verse says Paul's companions "heard not the voice," which is often understood as not comprehending the message, even if they heard a sound. This nuance helps explain why only Paul received the communication.
  • ἐφοβήθησαν (ephobēthēsan, "were afraid"): This word shows the companions' reaction to the supernatural event. Their fear highlights the dramatic and unsettling nature of what happened.

Why Acts 22:9 matters

  • Acts 22:9 clarifies that Paul's encounter with Jesus was not just a public event but a personal calling, since only he received the message.
  • This verse helps explain why Paul's companions could confirm something extraordinary happened, even though they could not testify to the specific words spoken.
  • Understanding this detail helps resolve confusion with Acts 9:7, where it says the companions "heard a voice," by showing that "hearing" can mean different things—either hearing a sound or understanding a message.

Where else these words appear

“afraid” Greek G1719 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
  • Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
  • Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

“saw” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

“light” Greek G5457 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
  • Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.