Acts 9 4

Acts 9:4 kjv

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 9:4 nkjv

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

Acts 9:4 niv

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Acts 9:4 esv

And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

Acts 9:4 nlt

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 4 Meaning

The verse describes a divine intervention on the road to Damascus where Jesus appeared to Saul, causing him to fall to the ground. It highlights the power of God's direct communication and the overwhelming nature of encountering the divine presence. The impact on Saul was immediate and profound, leading to his transformation.

Acts 9 4 Context

The chapter narrates the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church. On his journey to Damascus with the intention of apprehending Christians, Saul encounters a blinding light and hears a voice from heaven. This dramatic event on the road fundamentally changed his life's trajectory. The historical context is the nascent stage of the church, with believers scattered and often facing persecution. Saul's conversion is pivotal for the spread of Christianity, as he becomes the apostle Paul, a champion for the Gentiles.

Acts 9 4 Word Analysis

• And (Καὶ - kai): Conjunction connecting the events, signifying progression and sequence.
• suddenly (αἰφνίδιον - aiphnidion): Unexpectedly, abruptly. Highlights the divine and supernatural timing of the event. Implies God's initiative, not initiated by Saul.
• there (ἐγένετο - egeneto): Occurred, happened. A common introductory phrase in narrative, here signifying the onset of a significant event.
• a light (φῶς - phos): Light, radiance. Represents divine presence, truth, glory, and holiness. Often associated with God's self-revelation. This supernatural light far surpassed ordinary light.
• from (ἐκ - ek): Out of, from within. Suggests the origin of the light was from heaven or divine power itself.
• heaven (οὐρανοῦ - ouranou): The sky, the abode of God. Reinforces the celestial nature of the event.
• shone (ἐπέλαμψεν - epelampsen): Shone upon, beamed. Implies an active and pervasive illumination, not just a flash. A radiant, intense light.
• round (περικλάμψαν - periklampson): Circumference, round about. Describes the encompassing nature of the light, surrounding Saul and his companions. Suggests an immersive experience of divine glory.
• about (αὐτόν - auton): Him. Directly identifies the recipient of the light.
• him (καὶ - kai): Conjunction linking the description of the light with its immediate effect.
• fell (ἔπεσεν - epesen): Fell down. Indicates a prostrate, helpless position caused by the overwhelming power and glory of the divine encounter. A physical manifestation of spiritual awe and being overpowered.
• to (εἰς - eis): Into, unto. Denotes the direction of the falling.
• the (τὴν - ten): Definite article specifying the ground.
• ground (γῆν - gen): Earth, land, ground.
• saul (Σαύλου - Saulou): Name of the protagonist.
• fell (ἔπεσεν - epesen): Fell down. Repeats the action, emphasizing the complete incapacitation.
• to (εἰς - eis): Into, unto.
• the (τὴν - ten):
• ground (γῆν - gen):

Words-group analysis:

• a light from heaven shone round about him: This phrase vividly portrays an enveloping, divine radiance, signifying a direct manifestation of God's glory and presence. It is an experience that is both visible and powerfully tangible.
• fell to the ground: This signifies a complete overthrow of his earthly perspective and intentions. It denotes being rendered powerless and laid low by the superior power and majesty of Christ.

Acts 9 4 Bonus Section

The event described is consistent with Old Testament accounts where the overwhelming presence of God caused individuals to fall or become incapacitated. Examples include the glory of God in the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-11) and divine encounters experienced by prophets like Isaiah and Daniel (Isaiah 6:5, Daniel 8:17). The light itself is symbolic of Christ as the "light of the world" (John 8:12) and God's inherent light and truth that exposes darkness. The falling is a common response to divine majesty, signifying utter dependence and acknowledging a power far greater than oneself. The repetition of "fell to the ground" emphasizes the complete collapse of Saul's prior assumptions and trajectory.

Acts 9 4 Commentary

This verse marks a watershed moment in biblical history. Saul, a committed persecutor of Christianity, is violently confronted by the risen Christ. The "light from heaven" signifies more than mere physical illumination; it is a revelatory, glorious manifestation of divine power and presence, overwhelming Saul. His immediate prostration is not an act of worship, but a reaction to being utterly overpowered by divine authority. This encounter breaks down Saul's former defenses and self-righteousness, setting the stage for his radical transformation and subsequent ministry as the Apostle Paul, a key figure in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. The event is recorded multiple times, underscoring its significance, with Paul himself recounting it with deep personal reflection, emphasizing it as a sovereign act of God's grace.