Acts 23:19
New International Version
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

New Living Translation
The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

English Standard Version
The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

Berean Standard Bible
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Then the commander, having taken hold of his hand and having withdrawn in private, began to inquire, "What is it that you have to report to me?"

King James Bible
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

New King James Version
Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

New American Standard Bible
The commander took him by the hand, and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

NASB 1995
The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

NASB 1977
And the commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

Amplified Bible
The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to ask him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

Christian Standard Bible
The commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired privately, “What is it you have to report to me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired privately, “What is it you have to report to me?"”

American Standard Version
And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is it that thou hast to tell me?

Contemporary English Version
The commander took the young man aside and asked him in private, "What do you want to tell me?"

English Revised Version
And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is that thou hast to tell me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officer took the young man by the arm, went where they could be alone, and asked him, "What do you have to tell me?"

Good News Translation
The commander took him by the hand, led him off by himself, and asked him, "What do you have to tell me?"

International Standard Version
The tribune took him by the hand, stepped aside to be alone with him, and asked, "What have you got to tell me?"

Majority Standard Bible
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?”

NET Bible
The commanding officer took him by the hand, withdrew privately, and asked, "What is it that you want to report to me?"

New Heart English Bible
The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

Weymouth New Testament
Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?"

World English Bible
The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the chief captain having taken him by the hand, and having withdrawn by themselves, inquired, “What is that which you have to tell me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Then the commander, having taken hold of his hand and having withdrawn in private, began to inquire, "What is it that you have to report to me?"

Young's Literal Translation
And the chief captain having taken him by the hand, and having withdrawn by themselves, inquired, 'What is that which thou hast to tell me?'

Smith's Literal Translation
The captain of a thousand, having taken his hand, and having withdrawn in private, inquired, What is it which thou hast to announce to me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the tribune taking him by the hand, went aside with him privately, and asked him: What is it that thou hast to tell me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the tribune, taking him by the hand, withdrew with him by themselves, and he asked him: “What is it that you have to tell me?”

New American Bible
The commander took him by the hand, drew him aside, and asked him privately, “What is it you have to report to me?”

New Revised Standard Version
The tribune took him by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, “What is it that you have to report to me?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the captain took the young man by his hand, and drew him aside, and asked him, What have you to tell me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Chiliarch took the youth by the hand and drew him to one side and was asking him, “What do you have to say to me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the officer took him by the hand, and went aside with him privately, and inquired: What is it that you have to tell me?

Godbey New Testament
And the chiliarch taking him by the hand, and having gone away privately, asked him, What is that which you have to tell me?

Haweis New Testament
Hereupon the tribune taking him by the hand, and leading him aside, inquired, What is it that thou hast to communicate to me?

Mace New Testament
then the tribune taking him by the hand, retir'd with him in private, and ask'd, what he had to say.

Weymouth New Testament
Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?"

Worrell New Testament
And the chief captain, taking hold of his hand, and going aside privately, was asking him, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Worsley New Testament
And the tribune took him by the hand, and retiring into a private apartment asked him, What is it which thou hast to tell me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Paul
18So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?” 20He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him.…

Cross References
Acts 9:25
One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.

Acts 22:25-29
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” / On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.” / The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. ...

Acts 25:10-12
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 27:42-43
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. / But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.

Acts 28:16
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 26:16
So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

John 18:28-29
Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”

John 19:12
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.

Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. / As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. / And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.

2 Timothy 4:16-17
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. / But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

Genesis 37:18-20
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”


Treasury of Scripture

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that you have to tell me?

took.

Jeremiah 31:32
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Mark 8:23
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Mark 9:27
But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

What.

Nehemiah 2:4
Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Esther 5:3
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Esther 7:2
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Jump to Previous
Apart Arm Captain Chief Chiliarch Commander Commanding Going Hand Hearing Inquire Inquired Me Officer Others Private Privately Report Side Stepping Themselves Tribune Withdrawn Withdrew Young
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Apart Arm Captain Chief Chiliarch Commander Commanding Going Hand Hearing Inquire Inquired Me Officer Others Private Privately Report Side Stepping Themselves Tribune Withdrawn Withdrew Young
Acts 23
1. As Paul pleads his cause,
2. Ananias commands them to strike him.
7. Dissension among his accusers.
11. God encourages him.
14. The Jews' vow to kill Paul,
20. is declared unto the chief captain.
27. He sends him to Felix the governor.














The commander
The term "commander" refers to the Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias, who was responsible for maintaining order in Jerusalem. In the Greek, the word used is "χιλίαρχος" (chiliarchos), indicating a leader of a thousand soldiers. This highlights the Roman military presence and authority in Jerusalem during this period, reflecting the political tension between the occupying Roman forces and the Jewish population. The presence of a Roman commander underscores the seriousness of the situation involving Paul, as it required intervention at a high level of authority.

took him by the hand
This phrase indicates a gesture of personal attention and care. In the cultural context of the time, taking someone by the hand was a sign of guidance and protection. It suggests that the commander was willing to listen and give personal attention to the young man, which is significant given the hierarchical and often impersonal nature of Roman military command. This act of taking by the hand can be seen as a metaphor for divine guidance and protection, as God often leads His people with care and attention.

stepped aside
The act of stepping aside implies a move to a more private setting, away from the public eye. This indicates the commander's willingness to hear the message in confidence, suggesting the importance and potential sensitivity of the information. In a broader spiritual sense, stepping aside can symbolize the need for quiet and solitude to hear God's voice, away from the distractions and noise of the world.

and asked
The commander's act of asking shows an openness to receive information and a readiness to act upon it. In the Greek, the word "ἐπηρώτησεν" (eperōtēsen) conveys a sense of inquiry and seeking understanding. This reflects a posture of humility and willingness to learn, which is essential for leaders and believers alike. It reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in all situations.

'What is it you need to tell me?'
This question demonstrates the commander's readiness to listen and his recognition of the potential importance of the message. It reflects a sense of urgency and attentiveness. In a spiritual context, this question can be seen as an invitation to bring our concerns and messages before God, who is always ready to listen and respond. It encourages believers to be bold in sharing their burdens and insights, trusting that God is attentive to their needs.

Verse 19. - And for then, A.V.; going aside asked him privately for went with him aside privately, and asked him, A.V. Took him by the hand (ἐπιλαβόμενος τῆς χειρὸς); see above, Acts 17:19, note. The action denotes a kindly feeling towards St. Paul, as indeed his whole conduct does (comp. Acts 24:23; Acts 27:3; also Daniel 1:9 and Psalm 106:46).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

commander
χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers

took
Ἐπιλαβόμενος (Epilabomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1949: To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent).

[the young man]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

by the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hand,
χειρὸς (cheiros)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

drew [him]
ἀναχωρήσας (anachōrēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 402: From ana and choreo; to retire.

aside,
ἰδίαν (idian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

and asked,
ἐπυνθάνετο (epynthaneto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4441: To ask, inquire, ascertain by inquiry, understand.

“What
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

do you need
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

to tell
ἀπαγγεῖλαί (apangeilai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.

me?”
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Apostles: Acts 23:19 The commanding officer took him by (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 23:18
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