Acts 28 3

Acts 28:3 kjv

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:3 nkjv

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:3 niv

Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.

Acts 28:3 esv

When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:3 nlt

As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand.

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 3 Meaning

Paul and his companions, during their shipwreck, were stranded on the island of Malta. In this verse, a viper, a venomous snake, attached itself to Paul’s hand, illustrating a sudden and unexpected danger they faced. The islanders observed this, expecting Paul to swell up or fall down dead.

Acts 28 3 Context

The incident occurs during Paul's voyage to Rome, as detailed in the latter half of the Book of Acts. After a severe storm and shipwreck off the coast of Crete, Paul and his fellow travelers were cast onto the island of Malta. While gathering firewood, Paul was bitten by a viper. The Maltese inhabitants, who likely witnessed Paul's shipwreck and subsequent survival of the sea, were unacquainted with Paul's background and spiritual protection. They observed the viper's bite and immediately attributed it to a divine judgment against Paul, likely influenced by their own superstitious beliefs regarding the causes of death and misfortune.

Acts 28 3 Word analysis

• And (καὶ, kai): A simple conjunction, connecting the previous action (gathering wood) to the new event.

• when (δὲ, de): A particle indicating a turn or transition in the narrative, marking the occurrence of the snake bite.

• they (αὐτὸν, auton - literally "him"): Referring to Paul, the subject of the action of being bitten.

• had gathered (συλλέξαντα, syllexanta): Present participle of syllego, meaning to gather together, collect. Implies a purposeful act of collecting the materials.

• sticks (ξύλων, xylon): Timber, wood, firewood. Essential for warmth and cooking, especially in their predicament.

• and (καὶ, kai): Connects the gathering of sticks with the subsequent event.

• laid (ἐπιβαλόντος, epibalo̱ntos): Aorist participle of epiballo, meaning to throw upon, lay upon. The action of the wood being placed on the fire.

• them (αὐτὰ, auta - literally "them" referring to sticks): Plural pronoun referring to the sticks gathered.

• there (ἀπὸ, apo - literally "from"): Preposition indicating the origin or source of the viper's action.

• from (τῆς, te̱s - article, feminine genitive singular): A definite article before "fire".

• the (καύσεως, kaúseōs - genitive singular of kausis): A burning, a bonfire, a pyre. Refers to the fire Paul had helped to build.

• fire (ἔχιδνα, echidna): A viper, an adder, a poisonous snake. A specific type of venomous reptile, known for its quick and dangerous bite.

• and (δὲ, de): Another conjunction introducing the next action of the viper.

• clasped (ἐνέπεσεν, enepesen): Aorist indicative of empiptō, meaning to fall into, to fall upon. In this context, it signifies the snake fastening or clinging onto Paul.

• him (τῇ, te̱ - article, dative singular): A definite article before "hand".

• on (χειρί, cheiri - dative singular of cheir): Hand. The point of contact.

• Group analysis: "had gathered sticks and laid them there from the fire"

  • This phrase establishes the immediate background for the event. The act of gathering and placing wood on a fire is a normal and necessary activity, particularly in the wilderness or after a shipwreck. This ordinary action, intended for survival, inadvertently leads to the encounter with the viper. The fire itself is the source from which the danger emerges.

• Group analysis: "a viper... clasped on him"

  • The Greek term for viper (echidna) denotes a poisonous snake. The verb enepesen implies an aggressive and sudden attack, a clinging on, rather than a fleeting bite. This vivid imagery underscores the ferocity and unexpected nature of the encounter. The focus on Paul's hand suggests a direct and physical threat.

Acts 28 3 Bonus section

The viper’s bite, while presented factually, also carries symbolic weight within the biblical narrative. Snakes, particularly vipers, are often associated with venom, deceit, and evil, notably in the serpent of Eden (Genesis 3:1-7) and Jesus' reference to the "brood of vipers" (Matthew 12:34). However, this encounter is presented not as a cause for condemnation or despair, but as an opportunity for God’s power to be magnified. The survival of Paul, a key figure in spreading the Gospel, mirrors the commission Jesus gave to His disciples to handle serpents without harm (Mark 16:18) and illustrates that such supernatural protection is a facet of the ministry when empowered by God. The reaction of the islanders also reflects common ancient perceptions of supernatural intervention, often associating misfortune with sin. Their immediate conclusion that Paul must be a criminal reflects a world view where visible suffering implied moral failing.

Acts 28 3 Commentary

This verse, rich in its simple yet potent imagery, highlights how danger can emerge from ordinary activities. Paul, in the midst of helping his companions with essential survival tasks, encounters a deadly threat. The viper represents unexpected perils and perhaps even opposition encountered in the mission. The detailed description of the viper latching onto Paul's hand emphasizes the immediacy and seriousness of the danger. For believers, this serves as a reminder of God's preserving power in perilous situations and that even in life's everyday moments, we can face unforeseen dangers. The faith Paul demonstrates later, in not reacting with fear and in receiving no harm, underscores the efficacy of divine protection when believers are serving God, even in adverse circumstances.