And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

ACTS 23:4KJV
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Acts 23:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:4 mean?

Acts 23:4 describes how the people standing nearby questioned Paul for speaking disrespectfully to the high priest, asking, “Are you insulting God’s high priest?” The verse highlights the seriousness with which the high priest’s position was regarded by those present.

In this scene, Paul is on trial before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), and after he speaks sharply to the high priest, others in the room react with shock. Their question shows that, in their eyes, the high priest’s authority comes directly from God, so any insult to him is seen as an offense against God Himself.

The Greek behind Acts 23:4

  • καὶ (kai; “and”): This word simply connects the actions in the narrative, showing the sequence of events.
  • εἶπαν (eipan; “said”): This verb marks the response of the bystanders, emphasizing that this was a spoken challenge, not just a reaction in thought.
  • τοῦ θεοῦ (tou theou; “God’s”): This phrase stresses that the high priest’s authority is not just official or political, but is seen as divinely appointed, which explains the strong reaction to Paul’s words.
  • ἀρχιερεῖ (archierei; “priest”): This term refers specifically to the high priest, the leading religious figure in the Jewish council, whose role carried great weight and respect.

Why Acts 23:4 matters

  • Acts 23:4 clarifies how seriously the Jewish leaders and bystanders took any perceived disrespect toward the high priest, showing the deep reverence for religious authority in that setting.
  • The verse sets up Paul’s response in the following verses, where he addresses his words and the issue of respect for authority.
  • This moment highlights the tension between Paul and the council, giving insight into the challenges he faced as he defended himself and his faith before religious authorities.

Where else these words appear

“thou” Greek G3058 · used in 4 verses

  • John 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
  • 1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

“by” Greek G3936 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
  • Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

“priest” Greek G749 · used in 120 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.