Acts 17:32
New International Version
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”

New Living Translation
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”

English Standard Version
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

Berean Standard Bible
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

Berean Literal Bible
Now having heard of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed began to mock him, but some said, "We will hear you concerning this again also."

King James Bible
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

New King James Version
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.

New American Standard Bible
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, “We shall hear from you again concerning this.”

NASB 1995
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.”

NASB 1977
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.”

Amplified Bible
Now when they heard [the term] resurrection from the dead, some mocked and sneered; but others said, “We will hear from you again about this matter.”

Christian Standard Bible
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him, but others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him. But others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this.”

American Standard Version
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.

Contemporary English Version
As soon as the people heard Paul say a man had been raised from death, some of them started laughing. Others said, "We will hear you talk about this some other time."

English Revised Version
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the people of the court heard that a person had come back to life, some began joking about it, while others said, "We'll hear you talk about this some other time."

Good News Translation
When they heard Paul speak about a raising from death, some of them made fun of him, but others said, "We want to hear you speak about this again."

International Standard Version
When they heard about a resurrection of the dead, some began joking about it, while others said, "We will hear you again about this."

Majority Standard Bible
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

NET Bible
Now when they heard about the resurrection from the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, "We will hear you again about this."

New Heart English Bible
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We want to hear you again concerning this."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again concerning this matter.

Weymouth New Testament
When they heard Paul speak of a resurrection of dead men, some began to scoff. But others said, "We will hear you again on that subject."

World English Bible
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having heard of a resurrection of the dead, some, indeed, were mocking, but others said, “We will hear you again concerning this”;

Berean Literal Bible
Now having heard of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed began to mock him, but some said, "We will hear you concerning this again also."

Young's Literal Translation
And having heard of a rising again of the dead, some, indeed, were mocking, but others said, 'We will hear thee again concerning this;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And having heard of the rising up of the dead, they treated with mockery; and said, We will hear thee again concerning this.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they had heard of the resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked, but others said: We will hear thee again concerning this matter.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had heard about the Resurrection of the dead, indeed, some were derisive, while others said, “We will listen to you about this again.”

New American Bible
When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, “We should like to hear you on this some other time.”

New Revised Standard Version
When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, “We will hear you again about this.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear you again on this matter.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when they heard of the resurrection from among the dead, some of them were mocking and some were saying, “We shall hear you another time about this.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; others said: We will hear you again concerning this matter.

Godbey New Testament
And having heard the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: others said; We will hear thee concerning this even again.

Haweis New Testament
But when they heard of the resurrection from the dead, Some scoffed: and others said, We will hear thee again on this subject.

Mace New Testament
When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject;

Weymouth New Testament
When they heard Paul speak of a resurrection of dead men, some began to scoff. But others said, "We will hear you again on that subject."

Worrell New Testament
And, hearing of the resurrection of the dead, some, indeed, were mocking; but others said, "We will hear you concerning this yet again."

Worsley New Testament
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some laughed at it: and others said, We will hear thee again concerning this matter.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Before the Areopagus
31For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” 32When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.” 33At that, Paul left the Areopagus.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:23
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

1 Corinthians 15:12-14
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? / If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. / And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.

1 Corinthians 15:32
If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

2 Timothy 2:18
who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.

Luke 24:11
But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 5:28-29
Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Romans 10:9
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 28:17
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.

Mark 16:11
And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.

John 20:24-29
Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. / So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” / Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ...

Acts 26:8
Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

Acts 2:32
God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.

Acts 4:2
greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Acts 13:30-31
But God raised Him from the dead, / and for many days He was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people.


Treasury of Scripture

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear you again of this matter.

some.

Acts 17:18
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Acts 2:13
Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Acts 13:41
Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

We will.

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.

Luke 14:18
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

2 Corinthians 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

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Acts 17
1. Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,
5. and others persecute him.
10. He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.
13. Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica,
16. he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;
32. whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.














When they heard about the resurrection of the dead
This phrase introduces the central theme of the Christian message that Paul was preaching in Athens. The concept of resurrection, "anastasis" in Greek, was a revolutionary idea to the Greek philosophers who were listening. In the context of Greek thought, the body was often seen as a prison for the soul, and the idea of bodily resurrection was foreign and even absurd. This highlights the radical nature of the Gospel message, which proclaims not just a spiritual afterlife but a physical resurrection, affirming the goodness of God's creation and the hope of new life in Christ.

some began to scoff
The reaction of scoffing, or "chleuazo" in Greek, indicates a dismissive and mocking attitude. This response is not uncommon when the Gospel confronts deeply held beliefs or cultural norms. The Athenians, steeped in their philosophical traditions, found the idea of resurrection laughable. This reflects the broader biblical theme that the message of the cross is "foolishness to those who are perishing" (1 Corinthians 1:18). It serves as a reminder that the Gospel will often be met with ridicule by those who do not understand its power and truth.

but others said
This phrase introduces a contrast to the scoffers, indicating that not all who heard Paul's message dismissed it outright. The presence of differing reactions underscores the varied responses to the Gospel throughout history. It highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to the truth, as well as the responsibility of individuals to respond to the message they hear.

We want to hear you again on this topic
This expression of interest, "akouo" in Greek, suggests an openness and curiosity about the message of resurrection. It reflects the biblical principle that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). The Athenians' desire to hear more indicates that the Gospel had piqued their interest, even if they did not fully understand or accept it at that moment. This serves as an encouragement for believers to continue sharing the Gospel, trusting that God can use even initial curiosity to lead to deeper understanding and faith.

(32) Some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again.--The word "mocked" implies look and gesture, as well as words, of derision. (See Note on Acts 2:13.) We may venture to assume that the mockers were found chiefly among the Epicureans, and that the inquirers, perhaps putting off the inquiry to a "more convenient season," were Stoics, who wished to hear more from a teacher with whom they found themselves in sympathy on so many points of contact with their own system. Whether they carried on their inquiry we are not told. The words that follow imply a certain indignation on the part of the Apostle. He would not stay to expose the name or the work of his Lord to the jests of scoffers.

Verse 32. - Now for and, A.V.; but for and, A.V.; concerning this yet again for again of this matter, A.V. Some mocked. Athenian skepticism could not accept so spiritual a truth as the resurrection of the dead; and Athenian levity of purpose deferred to another day the decisive step of accepting the salvation of the risen Savior, just as it had deferred resistance to Philip of Macedon till their liberties were gone and their country enslaved. (For "We will hear thee again," comp. Acts 24:25.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[When]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they heard about
Ἀκούσαντες (Akousantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[the] resurrection
ἀνάστασιν (anastasin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 386: A rising again, resurrection. From anistemi; a standing up again, i.e. a resurrection from death (its author), or a recovery.

of [the] dead,
νεκρῶν (nekrōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3498: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.

some
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

began to mock [him],
ἐχλεύαζον (echleuazon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5512: To mock, scoff, jest, jeer. From a derivative probably of cheilos; to throw out the lip, i.e. Jeer at.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[others]
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

said,
εἶπαν (eipan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“We want to hear
Ἀκουσόμεθά (Akousometha)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

you
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

again
πάλιν (palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

on
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

this [topic].”
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.


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NT Apostles: Acts 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 17:31
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