Acts 20:9 kjv
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
Acts 20:9 nkjv
And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
Acts 20:9 niv
Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.
Acts 20:9 esv
And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
Acts 20:9 nlt
As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below.
Acts 20 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 20:9 | And a young man named Eutychus... fell fast asleep... and fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. | Paul's sermon, extended listening |
| Acts 20:10 | Then Paul went down and fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." | Resurrection, Paul's power |
| Acts 20:11 | And when he went up again and broke bread and ate, and conversed with them for a long time, till daybreak, he departed. | Continuation of fellowship |
| 1 Kings 17:21 | and lay down upon the child, and cried unto the LORD, saying, "O LORD my God, I pray you, let this child's soul come into him again." | Elijah raises a boy |
| 2 Kings 4:34 | Then he went up and lay upon the child and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child, and the flesh of the child waxed warm. | Elisha raises a boy |
| Luke 8:54 | And he took her by the hand and called out with a loud voice, "Child, arise." | Jesus raises Jairus's daughter |
| John 11:43 | "Lazarus, come forth!" | Jesus raises Lazarus |
| Romans 1:12 | to this end that we might be encouraged with you, also through the mutual faith of both you and me. | Shared faith encouragement |
| 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures | Christ's resurrection centrality |
| Philippians 2:7 | but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. | Christ's humility, service |
| 1 Timothy 4:16 | Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. | Stewardship of life and teaching |
| 2 Corinthians 13:9 | For we rejoice when we are weak in other ways and you are strong. Indeed, this is what we pray for, that you may be fully restored. | Prayer for others' restoration |
| 1 Peter 5:2 | Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God chooses; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; | Shepherd's duty to care |
| Ephesians 4:11 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, | Apostolic ministry gifts |
| John 14:12 | Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. | Believers doing works |
| Hebrews 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be disadvantageous to you. | Respect for leaders |
| Acts 16:25 | About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. | Prayer and praise in hardship |
| Acts 19:11-12 | God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons from his body were carried to the sick, and diseases left them, and evil spirits went out of them. | Miraculous power |
| Genesis 45:5 | And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. | God's providence |
| Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame consume you. | Divine protection |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 9 Meaning
This verse describes a young man named Eutychus who, while sitting on a window ledge during Paul’s extended sermon, falls asleep. The outcome of his sleep is a deep fall from the third story, resulting in his death. Paul's immediate intervention restores him to life.
Acts 20 9 Context
This event occurs in Troas, where Paul and his companions are staying for seven days before continuing their journey to Jerusalem. Paul is sharing the Gospel and teaching the believers. The meeting is described as extended, lasting into the night. The group has gathered specifically for the breaking of bread, a common practice of fellowship and remembrance. Eutychus's falling asleep and subsequent death is a dramatic interruption to the intense spiritual gathering and teaching. It highlights the prolonged nature of Paul’s ministry and the receptiveness, yet human frailty, of the listeners. The immediate, miraculous healing by Paul underscores his apostolic authority and the power of God working through him. This incident precedes Paul's poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing the preciousness of time and life in ministry.
Acts 20 9 Word Analysis
Eutychus: (Greek: Eutychos) Meaning "fortunate" or "lucky."
Neaniskos: (Greek: νεανίσκος, neaniskos) Young man, youth. Distinguished from pais (child).
Symperilambanoµenos: (Greek: συμπεριλαμβανόμενος, symperilambanomenos) Being included, embraced, taken up. In this context, possibly refers to him being among those sitting or the group's inclusion of him.
Hupódera: (Greek: ὑπόδερᾳ, hupódera) Ledge, border, projecting part. Specifically referring to the window's sill or projecting architectural feature.
Triphöion: (Greek: τριφῷον, triphöion) Third story, third level. Indicating a significant height.
Kaþeuðōntoµ: (Greek: καθεύδοντος, katheudontos) While he was sleeping, slumbering. From katheúdo, to fall asleep.
Kattepeseµ: (Greek: κατεπεσεν, katepesen) Fell down. Indicates a fall from the elevated position.
Elíftho: (Greek: ἐλήφθη, eléphthē) Was taken up. A passive voice indicating he was found or picked up after the fall.
Nekrós: (Greek: νεκρός, nekrós) Dead.
Apostoléµ: (Greek: ἀποστολέμ, apostoléµ) A message, what is sent. Implies Paul was sent by God with divine authority and power.
Words group: fell fast asleep and was taken up dead: This phrase emphasizes the depth of his sleep, leading to a fatal fall, but also highlights the contrast with being "taken up" alive again, underscoring the miracle.
Words group: fell down from the third story: The specific detail of the "third story" conveys the severity of the fall, making his presumed death more understandable and Paul's intervention more extraordinary.
Words group: Paul went down and fell on him: This action mirrors Old Testament prophets (Elijah and Elisha) who lay upon the deceased to impart life, demonstrating Paul's authority derived from God and his compassion.
Acts 20 9 Bonus Section
This narrative is often cited as an example of the continuation of apostolic miracles in the early church, akin to those performed by Elijah and Elisha. The text subtly points to the importance of sustained, attentive listening to God's word, but also demonstrates that God's grace and power can intervene even when human frailty leads to mishap. Paul's care for Eutychus, by falling on him and bringing him back to life, shows a profound empathy and responsibility for the spiritual flock entrusted to him, reinforcing the servant leadership model he advocated. The fact that Paul then resumed his teaching until daybreak, and the gathering continued, emphasizes the value and priority placed on the Word and fellowship, despite the interruption. This incident foreshadows the resurrected life believers partake in through Christ, and the spiritual life God continues to impart.
Acts 20 9 Commentary
The incident with Eutychus serves as a powerful illustration of both the vulnerability of life and the sovereign power of God. Eutychus, likely weary from the late hour and perhaps the intensity of Paul's message, succumbed to sleep. His subsequent fall from a great height, resulting in death, underscores the fragility of human existence. Paul's immediate and supernatural action to raise him from the dead is a testament to the divine empowerment he possessed as an apostle. This event confirms the veracity of the Gospel being preached and the life-changing power available through Christ. It’s a reminder that God can bring life from death, even in the midst of His people, and that faithful ministry involves profound care for spiritual and physical well-being. Paul's action reflects a pastoral heart that grieves over loss and seeks to restore and encourage, prioritizing the continuity of fellowship and the ministry of the Word.