And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

ACTS 9:6KJV
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Acts 9:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:6 mean?

Acts 9:6 shows Saul, shaken and amazed after encountering the risen Jesus, asking what Jesus wants him to do next. Jesus tells Saul to get up, go into the city, and wait for further instructions about what he must do.

In this moment, Saul (later known as Paul) is on the road to Damascus when he is stopped by a blinding light and hears Jesus speaking to him. Saul’s question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” shows his surrender and readiness to obey. Jesus does not give Saul all the details immediately but tells him to go into the city, where he will learn the next steps, emphasizing trust and obedience.

The Greek behind Acts 9:6

  • “Trembling” (τρέμων, tremōn): This word shows Saul’s fear and deep awe, highlighting how overwhelming this encounter is for him.
  • “Astonished” (θαμβῶν, thambōn): This word adds to the sense of shock and amazement Saul feels, making it clear this is a life-changing moment.
  • “Must” (δεῖ, dei): This Greek word means something is necessary or required. Jesus is not just giving Saul a suggestion, but telling him there is something he is appointed or obligated to do.

Why Acts 9:6 matters

  • Acts 9:6 marks the turning point in Saul’s life, from persecutor of Christians to a follower of Jesus, showing the power of a direct encounter with Christ.
  • The verse highlights the importance of obedience and trust, as Saul is told to take the next step without knowing the full plan.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the chapter, where Saul’s mission and transformation are revealed, connecting his story to the wider spread of the early church.

Where else these words appear

“trembling” Greek G5141 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
  • Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
  • 2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

“astonished” Greek G2284 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

“must” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

“Arise” Greek G450 · used in 111 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.