Acts 23:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:21 mean?

Acts 23:21 is a warning not to trust or give in to a group of more than forty men who have sworn an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed Paul; these men are now waiting for confirmation to carry out their plan. The verse urges the listener to be cautious because the conspirators are fully prepared and only need a signal to act.

In this verse, Paul’s nephew is speaking to the Roman commander, revealing a secret plot against Paul’s life. The situation is tense: a group of Jewish men have made a serious vow to ambush and kill Paul, and they are waiting for the commander’s cooperation—perhaps by having Paul brought out for questioning. The warning is urgent and specific, showing the real danger Paul faces and the need for the commander to act wisely.

The Greek behind Acts 23:21

• "Yield" (πείθω, peithō) means to be persuaded or to listen to someone. Here, it emphasizes that the commander should not be convinced or swayed by the conspirators’ request, highlighting the seriousness of the warning.
• "Bound themselves with an oath" (ἀναθεματίζω, anathematizō) refers to making a solemn vow, often with religious seriousness. The men’s commitment is extreme—they have put themselves under a curse if they fail, showing how determined and desperate they are.
• "Ready" (ἕτοιμοι, hetoimoi) means fully prepared or standing by. This word underlines that the conspirators are not just planning, but are set to act immediately once they get the signal.
• "Promise" (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia) means a formal assurance or agreement. The men are waiting for the commander’s official word, which would give them the opportunity to attack Paul.

Why Acts 23:21 matters

• This verse clears up any doubt about the seriousness of the threat against Paul; it is not just a rumor, but a well-organized and urgent plot.
• The warning reveals the loyalty and courage of Paul’s nephew, who risks his own safety to protect Paul by speaking directly to the Roman authority.
• Acts 23:21 connects to the wider passage by showing how God uses unexpected people and circumstances to protect Paul and move the story forward, even in the face of deadly opposition.