Acts 6:13
New International Version
They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.

New Living Translation
The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses.

English Standard Version
and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,

Berean Standard Bible
where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.

Berean Literal Bible
And they set false witnesses, saying, "This man does not stop speaking words against this holy place and the Law.

King James Bible
And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

New King James Version
They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

New American Standard Bible
They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking against this holy place and the Law;

NASB 1995
They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law;

NASB 1977
And they put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place, and the Law;

Legacy Standard Bible
And they put forward false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases speaking words against this holy place and the Law;

Amplified Bible
They presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law [of Moses];

Christian Standard Bible
They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the law.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

American Standard Version
and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

Contemporary English Version
Some men agreed to tell lies about Stephen, and they said, "This man keeps on saying terrible things about this holy temple and the Law of Moses.

English Revised Version
and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some witnesses stood up and lied about Stephen. They said, "This man never stops saying bad things about the holy place and Moses' Teachings.

Good News Translation
Then they brought in some men to tell lies about him. "This man," they said, "is always talking against our sacred Temple and the Law of Moses.

International Standard Version
They had false witnesses stand up and say, "This man never stops saying things against this Holy Place and against the Law.

Majority Standard Bible
where they presented false witnesses who said, ?This man never stops speaking blasphemies against this holy place and against the law.

NET Bible
They brought forward false witnesses who said, "This man does not stop saying things against this holy place and the law.

New Heart English Bible
and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the Law.

Webster's Bible Translation
And set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

Weymouth New Testament
Here they brought forward false witnesses who declared, "This fellow is incessantly speaking against the Holy Place and the Law.

World English Bible
and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
they also set up false witnesses, saying, “This one does not cease to speak evil sayings against this holy place and the Law,

Berean Literal Bible
And they set false witnesses, saying, "This man does not stop speaking words against this holy place and the Law.

Young's Literal Translation
they set up also false witnesses, saying, 'This one doth not cease to speak evil sayings against this holy place and the law,

Smith's Literal Translation
And set false witnesses, saying, This man ceases not speaking defaming words against this holy place, and the law:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man ceaseth not to speak words against the holy place and the law.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they set up false witnesses, who said: “This man does not cease to speak words against the holy place and the law.

New American Bible
They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against [this] holy place and the law.

New Revised Standard Version
They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they appointed false witnesses who said, This man does not cease to speak against the law and against this holy land:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they appointed false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease speaking words against The Written Law and against this holy place.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they brought forward false witnesses, who said: This man ceases not to speak words against this holy place, and the law.

Godbey New Testament
and they raised up false witnesses, saying, This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place and the law;

Haweis New Testament
and they set up false witnesses, saying, This man doth not cease speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

Mace New Testament
where they produc'd false witnesses, who said, this man is continually inveighing against the holy place, and against the law.

Weymouth New Testament
Here they brought forward false witnesses who declared, "This fellow is incessantly speaking against the Holy Place and the Law.

Worrell New Testament
and set up false witnesses, who said, "This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place, and the law;

Worsley New Testament
and they set up false witnesses; who said, This man is continually speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Arrest of Stephen
12So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, 13where they presented FALSE witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”…

Cross References
Matthew 26:59-61
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Mark 14:56-58
For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: / “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’”

John 2:19-21
Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body.

Acts 7:56-58
“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” / At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. / They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 21:28
crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”

Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

John 8:48-52
The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?” / “I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. / I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge. ...

John 10:33
“We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, make Yourself out to be God.”

Acts 24:5-6
We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

Acts 25:7
When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.

1 Kings 21:10-13
But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” / So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. / They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. ...

Psalm 27:12
Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

Psalm 35:11
Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.

Jeremiah 26:11
Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!”

Jeremiah 37:13-14
But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!” / “That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials.


Treasury of Scripture

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

set.

Acts 6:11
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

Psalm 27:12
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Psalm 35:11
False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.

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Blasphemous Cease Ceases Ceaseth Declared Evil Fellow Forward Holy Incessantly Law Produced Sayings Speak Speaking Speaks Stops Testified Witnesses Words
Acts 6
1. The apostles, desirous to have the poor cared for,
2. as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul,
3. recommend,
5. and with the church's consent ordain seven chosen men to the office of deaconship.
7. The word of God prevails,
8. Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, confuting those with whom he disputed,
12. is brought before the council,
13. and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple.














They presented false witnesses
The act of presenting "false witnesses" is a direct violation of the Ninth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness against one's neighbor (Exodus 20:16). In the Greek, the word for "false" is "pseudomartys," which combines "pseudo" (false) and "martys" (witness). This term underscores the deliberate deceit involved. Historically, false testimony was a serious offense in Jewish law, as seen in the trial of Naboth (1 Kings 21). The use of false witnesses here highlights the malicious intent of Stephen's accusers, who were willing to break God's law to achieve their ends.

who said
The phrase "who said" introduces the specific accusations made against Stephen. In the context of a legal proceeding, the words of witnesses were crucial. The Greek verb "eipon" (said) is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action, suggesting that these accusations were formally presented as part of the legal process. This reflects the gravity of the situation, as Stephen was being formally charged based on these statements.

This man
Referring to Stephen as "this man" is a way to depersonalize and diminish him, a common tactic in legal and rhetorical settings to sway opinion against the accused. In the Greek, "houtos" (this) can carry a dismissive tone, indicating the accusers' disdain. Stephen, a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), is reduced to a mere object of scorn, illustrating the deep-seated animosity of his accusers.

never stops speaking
The phrase "never stops speaking" suggests a continuous action, implying that Stephen was persistently vocal about his beliefs. The Greek word "pauomai" (stops) in the negative form emphasizes the ongoing nature of his speech. This accusation reflects the early Christian commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, regardless of opposition. Stephen's unwavering testimony is reminiscent of the apostles' boldness in Acts 4:20, where they declare, "For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

against this holy place
"Against this holy place" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central symbol of Jewish identity and worship. The Greek term "topos" (place) is often used to denote sacred spaces. Accusations against the temple were serious, as it was considered the dwelling place of God's presence. Stephen's teachings, which likely included the new covenant's implications for temple worship, were perceived as a threat to traditional Jewish beliefs. This echoes Jesus' own statements about the temple, which were similarly misunderstood (John 2:19-21).

and against the law
The accusation of speaking "against the law" is a charge of blasphemy, as the Mosaic Law was foundational to Jewish life and religion. The Greek word "nomos" (law) encompasses not only the written Torah but also the oral traditions. Stephen's message, which emphasized Jesus as the fulfillment of the law, was seen as a radical departure from established norms. This reflects the tension between the emerging Christian faith and traditional Judaism, a theme that recurs throughout the book of Acts.

(13) Against this holy place.--The new feature of Stephen's preaching comes into greater prominence.

Verse 13. - Words for blasphemous words, A.V. and T.R. Set up false witnesses. The similarity of Stephen's trial to that of our Lord is striking. The same set purpose to silence a true-speaking tongue by death; the same base employment of false witnesses; the same wresting of good words into criminal acts; and the same meekness and patience unto death in the righteous martyrs. Blessed servant to tread so closely in thy Lord's steps! (comp. Matthew 5:11, 12; 1 Peter 4:14-16). This holy place; the Sanhedrim sat in one of the chambers of the temple, called Gazith. This had been prohibited by the Romans, but the prohibition was in abeyance in the present time of anarchy (Lewin).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They presented
Ἔστησάν (Estēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

FALSE
ψευδεῖς (pseudeis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5571: False, deceitful, lying, untrue. From pseudomai; untrue, i.e. Erroneous, deceitful, wicked.

witnesses
μάρτυρας (martyras)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3144: A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.

[who] said,
λέγοντας (legontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“This
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

man
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

never stops
παύεται (pauetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3973: A primary verb; to stop, i.e. Restrain, quit, desist, come to an end.

speaking
λαλῶν (lalōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

holy
ἁγίου (hagiou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

place
τόπου (topou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117: Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[against] the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive 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.

Law.
νόμου (nomou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.


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NT Apostles: Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses who said (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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