Acts 21:13 kjv
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 21:13 nkjv
Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21:13 niv
Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21:13 esv
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21:13 nlt
But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 20:23, 24 | Spirit testifies that bonds and afflictions await him; willing to finish his course | Fulfillment of prophecy of his suffering |
| Romans 15:31 | Praying for favor among the saints in Jerusalem | Paul's prayer for acceptance |
| 1 Cor 16:12 | Apollos declined to visit, but Paul would come if opportunity allowed | Similar travel plans |
| 2 Cor 11:26 | Dangers he faced; perils from countrymen, Gentiles, false brethren | Affirmation of dangers |
| Phil 1:20 | Longing for boldness, Christ to be magnified in his body | Paul's ultimate motivation |
| Phil 2:17 | Even if poured out as a drink offering, he rejoices | Willingness to suffer |
| Col 1:24 | Suffering for the church, filling up afflictions of Christ | Participation in Christ's suffering |
| 2 Tim 4:6, 7 | Ready to be poured out, good fight fought, course finished | Affirmation of his readiness |
| Heb 11:13, 14 | Died in faith, confessing they were strangers and pilgrims | Christian pilgrim mindset |
| 1 Pet 2:11 | Aliens and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts | Believers as pilgrims |
| John 16:22, 33 | Your sorrow will be turned to joy; in the world you will have tribulation | Jesus' prediction of sorrow and peace |
| Luke 21:12, 13 | Will be seized, persecuted, brought before kings; your testimony | Suffering for witness |
| Gal 6:2 | Bear one another's burdens | Christian compassion |
| Rom 12:15 | Weep with those who weep | Empathy and shared suffering |
| Ps 30:5 | Weeping may tarry in the night, but joy comes in the morning | Temporal nature of sorrow |
| Gen 45:5 | Do not grieve nor be angry with yourselves that you sold me into slavery | Reconciliation after suffering |
| Jer 29:7 | Seek the peace of the city where you are captives | Prayer for enemies/hostile places |
| Prov 3:27, 28 | Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due | Responsibility to friends |
| Deut 32:2 | My teaching shall drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew | God's word impacting hearts |
| Isa 55:10, 11 | My word shall not return empty, but shall accomplish my purpose | The effectiveness of God's word |
| Zechariah 1:5, 6 | Your fathers, where are they? The prophets, do they live forever? | Concern for divine messengers |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path | Guidance from God's word |
| John 10:11, 14, 27 | Good shepherd lays down his life; I know my sheep, and mine know me | Shepherdly love and recognition |
| Prov 17:17 | A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity | Qualities of true friendship |
| 2 Cor 7:4 | My boasting before him has not been an empty charge | Paul's confidence in the Corinthians |
Acts 21 verses
Acts 21 13 Meaning
The verse signifies Paul's profound emotional response to the love and loyalty shown by his friends in Caesarea, particularly their preemptive action to prevent him from going to Jerusalem. Their deep concern for his well-being and apprehension for his safety in Jerusalem, based on prophecies and their own insights, deeply affected Paul. He interprets their weeping as a manifestation of their love and concern, and this intensifies his own resolve, turning their sorrow into fuel for his determination to fulfill God's will.
Acts 21 13 Context
The chapter follows Paul's extended ministry in various locations, concluding with a farewell to the Ephesian elders in chapter 20. He is now traveling towards Jerusalem, determined to reach the city despite prophetic warnings of suffering and imprisonment (Acts 20:22-23). In Caesarea, he stays at the house of Philip the evangelist. It is here that Agabus, a prophet from Judea, uses a symbolic action to predict Paul's impending fate in Jerusalem: he ties his own feet and hands with Paul's belt and declares that the owner of the belt will be bound similarly by the Jews in Jerusalem and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles (Acts 21:10-11). This demonstration causes the disciples and believers present, including those in Philip's household, to weep and implore Paul not to go to Jerusalem.
Acts 21 13 Word Analysis
- εἶτα (eita): "then", "next". Indicates a progression of events, following their appeal.
- δὲ (de): "but", "and". A conjunctive particle indicating a contrast or continuation, here emphasizing the consequence of their pleading.
- οἱ (hoi): "the". Definite article for plural masculine noun.
- φίλοι (philoi): "friends". From φιλέω (phileō), meaning to love, cherish, have affection for. Refers to those who have a close affectionate bond with Paul, emphasizing their genuine care.
- συμφύλακές (symphylakes): "fellow guards", "fellow soldiers", "fellow guardians". From σύν (syn) "with" and φύλαξ (phylax) "guard", "watcher". This term conveys a sense of shared duty, protection, and belonging to the same "camp" or spiritual struggle, implying they were partners in faith and perhaps even endured persecution together in the past. It reflects a deep fellowship and mutual defense in the Lord.
- πλήρη (plērē): "full". Indicating that their actions were complete and abundant.
- ποιήσαντες (poiēsantes): "having made", "having done". Aorist participle of ποιέω (poieō) "to make", "to do". Highlights the action of their weeping and pleading.
- ἔκλαιον (eklaion): "wept". Imperfect tense of κλάω (klaō) "to weep", "to cry". The imperfect tense indicates continuous or repeated action, suggesting they were weeping persistently, not just a momentary display. It underscores the depth of their emotion.
- συμπάσχοντες (sympaschontes): "suffering with". Present participle of συμπάσχω (sympaschō) from σύν (syn) "with" and πάσχω (paschō) "to suffer". This is a key term in Pauline theology, meaning to share in the suffering of others. It indicates a deep empathy and shared experience of distress, demonstrating that their tears stemmed from vicarious suffering for what Paul might endure.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "so Paul, when he had heard this, was not moved": This initial phrase emphasizes Paul's steadfastness. Despite hearing their emotional pleas and forebodings, his internal disposition was not shaken or persuaded to abandon his mission. He remained firm in his purpose.
- "but I say, why do you do this, weeping and breaking my heart?": This rhetorical question expresses Paul's emotional response to their outpouring. "Breaking my heart" (συνθρύπτοντες μου τὴν καρδίαν - synthryptontes mou tēn kardiān) indicates a deep emotional impact. It's not that their weeping caused him to doubt God's will, but their visible distress and sorrow, a manifestation of their love, caused him deep personal sorrow. He is moved by their emotion, but not swayed from his objective. Their sorrow for him indirectly causes him sorrow.
Acts 21 13 Bonus Section
The Greek word "symphylakes" suggests a deeper camaraderie than mere friends; it evokes the image of fellow soldiers in the same army, sharing in the struggles and dangers of the campaign. This "fellow-guard" aspect highlights their commitment to protect and support one another in spiritual warfare. Paul’s phrase "breaking my heart" (or literally, "crushing my heart") reflects an internal struggle between his own emotions and his commitment to God’s will. He loved these people deeply, and their sorrow for him was a painful experience. This highlights that being a devoted servant of God does not negate genuine human emotions and the pain that comes from seeing loved ones suffer due to one's choices, even when those choices are divinely inspired. It speaks to the cost of discipleship for both the leader and his followers.
Acts 21 13 Commentary
Paul's response reveals his tender heart, even in the face of anticipated suffering. While firm in his commitment to Christ's call, he is not unfeeling. The affectionate term "friends" and the description of his heart being broken underscore the deep human connection and love that existed among believers. Their weeping is a testament to their care, but Paul redirects their sorrow. He sees their tears not as a reason to turn back, but as a validation of the stakes involved, strengthening his resolve. He encourages them by pointing out that their response of love also breaks his heart with a sympathetic sorrow, yet it does not deter him from his divine mandate. His response signifies a blend of unwavering obedience to God and profound human affection, a characteristic mark of Christian leadership. He views their shared suffering and love as a positive, though emotionally taxing, aspect of his ministry.