Acts 23:21
New International Version
Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

New Living Translation
But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.”

English Standard Version
But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

Berean Standard Bible
Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.”

Berean Literal Bible
You therefore should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you."

King James Bible
But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

New King James Version
But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”

New American Standard Bible
So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are in hiding to ambush him, and these men have put themselves under an oath not to eat or drink until they kill him; and now they are ready and waiting for assurance from you.”

NASB 1995
“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.”

NASB 1977
“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of them—who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him—are lying in wait for him and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.”

Amplified Bible
But do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, and they have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Even now they are ready, just waiting for your promise.”

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t let them persuade you, because there are more than forty of them lying in ambush—men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t let them persuade you, because there are more than 40 of them arranging to ambush him, men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they kill him. Now they are ready, waiting for a commitment from you.”

American Standard Version
Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee.

Contemporary English Version
But please don't do what they say. More than 40 men are going to attack Paul. They have made a vow not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. Even now they are waiting to hear what you decide."

English Revised Version
Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't let them persuade you to do this. More than forty of them are planning to ambush him. They have asked God to curse them if they eat or drink anything before they have murdered him. They are ready now and are expecting you to promise [that you will bring Paul]."

Good News Translation
But don't listen to them, because there are more than forty men who will be hiding and waiting for him. They have taken a vow not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are now ready to do it and are waiting for your decision."

International Standard Version
Don't believe them, because more than 40 of them are planning to ambush him. They've taken an oath not to eat or drink before they've killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent."

Majority Standard Bible
Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.?

NET Bible
So do not let them persuade you to do this, because more than forty of them are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him, and now they are ready, waiting for you to agree to their request."

New Heart English Bible
Therefore do not yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you."

Webster's Bible Translation
But do not thou yield to them: for there are of them who lie in wait for him more than forty men, who have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now they are ready, looking for a promise from thee.

Weymouth New Testament
I beg you not to comply; for more than forty men among them are lying in wait for him, who have solemnly vowed that they will neither eat nor drink till they have assassinated him; and even now they are ready, in anticipation of receiving that promise of you."

World English Bible
Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
you, therefore, may you not yield to them, for there more than forty men of them lie in wait for him, who cursed themselves—not to eat nor to drink until they kill him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”

Berean Literal Bible
You therefore should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you."

Young's Literal Translation
thou, therefore, mayest thou not yield to them, for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who did anathematize themselves -- not to eat nor to drink till they kill him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore thou shouldest not be persuaded by them: for more than forty men of them lie in wait for him, who anathematized themselves, neither to eat or drink till they should kill him: and now are they prepared, expecting a promise from thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But do not thou give credit to them; for there lie in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound themselves by oath neither to eat, nor to drink, till they have killed him: and they are now ready, looking for a promise from thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But truly, you should not believe them, for they would ambush him with more than forty men from among them, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat, nor to drink, until they have put him to death. And they are now prepared, hoping for an affirmation from you.”

New American Bible
but do not believe them. More than forty of them are lying in wait for him; they have bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are now ready and only wait for your consent.”

New Revised Standard Version
But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You must not listen to them: for behold more than forty of them, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor to drink till they have killed him, are lying in wait for him: and behold they are ready and awaiting your reply.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Therefore you should not believe them, for behold, there are more than forty men of them who are watching for him in ambush and they have put a curse upon themselves that they will not eat or drink until they kill him. And behold, they are ready and waiting for your promise.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Do not, however, be persuaded by them; for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him; and they have bound themselves under a curse, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for a promise from you.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore do not be persuaded by them: for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, who have obligated themselves by an oath, neither to eat nor drink until they may kill him: and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you.

Haweis New Testament
But do not thou consent to them: for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves under an anathema, neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now they are in readiness, waiting only to procure the promise from thee.

Mace New Testament
but don't believe them: for above forty of them lie in ambush, having bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink till they have kill'd him: they are already prepar'd, and only wait your answer.

Weymouth New Testament
I beg you not to comply; for more than forty men among them are lying in wait for him, who have solemnly vowed that they will neither eat nor drink till they have assassinated him; and even now they are ready, in anticipation of receiving that promise of you."

Worrell New Testament
Be not, therefore, persuaded by them; for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him; who, indeed, bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor drink, till they should kill him; and now they are ready, expecting the promise from you."

Worsley New Testament
But do not thou comply with them: for there lie in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound themselves with a curse neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him: and they are now ready, waiting for an order from thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Paul
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. 21 Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.” 22So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”…

Cross References
Acts 9:23-24
After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

Acts 25:3
to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

Acts 22:30
The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

Acts 21:31
While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil.

Acts 20:3
where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.

Acts 18:12
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.

Acts 14:5-6
But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, / they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region,

Acts 13:50
The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.

Acts 12:3
And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Acts 7:54
On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him.

Acts 6:11-14
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” / So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. ...

Matthew 26:4
and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Matthew 12:14
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

Mark 3:6
At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Luke 22:2
and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.


Treasury of Scripture

But do not you yield to them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from you.

do not.

Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

for.

Acts 23:12-14
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul…

Acts 9:23,24
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: …

Acts 14:5,6
And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, …

an oath.

Acts 23:14
And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Romans 9:3
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Jump to Previous
Ambush Anticipation Assassinated Beg Bound Comply Consent Curse Drink Eat Forty Killed Lie Oath Promise Ready Receiving Request Slain Slay Solemnly Themselves Vowed Wait Waiting Yield You
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Ambush Anticipation Assassinated Beg Bound Comply Consent Curse Drink Eat Forty Killed Lie Oath Promise Ready Receiving Request Slain Slay Solemnly Themselves Vowed Wait Waiting Yield You
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.














Do not let them persuade you
This phrase is a direct warning, emphasizing the need for discernment and vigilance. The Greek word for "persuade" is "peithō," which implies being convinced or won over. In the context of Acts, this is a call to resist manipulation and deceit. Historically, the early church faced numerous threats, both internal and external, and this serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in truth and righteousness, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

because more than forty of them
The mention of "more than forty" highlights the seriousness and scale of the conspiracy against Paul. In Jewish tradition, the number forty often symbolizes a period of testing or trial, as seen in the forty years of wilderness wandering. This underscores the intensity of the opposition Paul faced, reflecting the broader spiritual warfare against the spread of the Gospel.

are waiting in ambush for him
The imagery of an "ambush" conveys a sense of imminent danger and treachery. The Greek term "enedra" suggests a hidden or secretive attack. This reflects the reality of spiritual and physical threats faced by early Christians. It serves as a metaphor for the unseen spiritual battles believers encounter, reminding us of the need for spiritual armor as described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

They have bound themselves with an oath
The act of taking an "oath" in this context is a solemn vow, indicating the conspirators' extreme commitment. The Greek word "anathematizō" implies a curse upon oneself if the vow is not fulfilled. This reflects the depth of their fanaticism and the lengths to which opponents of the Gospel would go. It serves as a stark contrast to the Christian call to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no" (Matthew 5:37).

not to eat or drink until they have killed him
This phrase illustrates the intensity of the conspirators' resolve. Fasting, in Jewish culture, was typically a spiritual discipline, but here it is perverted for evil purposes. This highlights the distortion of religious practices when divorced from true faith and righteousness. It serves as a caution against allowing zeal to overshadow the love and truth of the Gospel.

They are ready now
The immediacy of "ready now" indicates the urgency and preparedness of the conspirators. The Greek word "etoimos" suggests being fully prepared and equipped. This reflects the constant readiness required of believers to face spiritual challenges, echoing the call to be watchful and prayerful in anticipation of Christ's return (Matthew 24:42).

awaiting your consent
The phrase "awaiting your consent" underscores the role of human authority and decision-making in the unfolding of events. The Greek word "suntithēmi" implies agreement or approval. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to act justly and wisely, recognizing the impact of their decisions on the lives of others. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will in all matters, trusting in His sovereignty and justice.

Verse 21. - Do not thou therefore for but do not thou, A.V.; under a curse for with an oath, A.V.; neither to eat nor to drink for that they will neither eat nor drink, A.V.; slain for killed, A.V.; the for a (promise), A.V. Do not... yield (μὴ πεισθῇς); be not persuaded by them; do not assent unto them (see Luke 16:6; Acts 5:40; Acts 17:4, etc.). The promise, etc.; τὴν ἀπὸ σοῦ ἐπαγγελίαν. The word occurs above fifty times in the New Testament, and is always rendered "promise" in the A.V., except in 1 John 1:5, where it is rendered both in the A.V. and the R.V. "message," which is the literal meaning of the word. In Polybius it means "a summons." Either of these meanings suits this passage better than "promise."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
{Do} not {let}
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

persuade
πεισθῇς (peisthēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

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

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

more than
πλείους (pleious)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.

forty
τεσσεράκοντα (tesserakonta)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5062: Forty. The decade of tessares; forty.

men
ἄνδρες (andres)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

are waiting to ambush
ἐνεδρεύουσιν (enedreuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1748: To lie in wait (ambush) for, seek to entrap (hence: I defraud, deceive). From enedra; to lurk, i.e. plot assassination.

him.
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.

[They]
οἵτινες (hoitines)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

have bound themselves with an oath
ἀνεθεμάτισαν (anethematisan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 332: To curse, invoke curses, devote to destruction. From anathema; to declare or vow under penalty of execration.

not
μήτε (mēte)
Conjunction
Strong's 3383: Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.

to eat
φαγεῖν (phagein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat.

[or]
μήτε (mēte)
Conjunction
Strong's 3383: Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.

drink
πιεῖν (piein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4095: To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.

until
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

they have killed
ἀνέλωσιν (anelōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 337: From ana and haireomai; to take up, i.e. Adopt; by implication, to take away, i.e. Abolish, murder.

him;
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.

they are
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

ready
ἕτοιμοι (hetoimoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2092: Ready, prepared. From an old noun heteos; adjusted, i.e. Ready.

now,
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

awaiting
προσδεχόμενοι (prosdechomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4327: From pros and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await.

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

consent.?
ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.


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NT Apostles: Acts 23:21 Therefore don't yield to them for more (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 23:20
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