Acts 16:23
New International Version
After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.

New Living Translation
They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape.

English Standard Version
And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.

Berean Standard Bible
And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.

Berean Literal Bible
And having laid many blows on them, they cast them into prison, having charged the jailer to keep them securely,

King James Bible
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

New King James Version
And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.

New American Standard Bible
When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely;

NASB 1995
When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely;

NASB 1977
And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely;

Legacy Standard Bible
And when they had inflicted them with many wounds, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely,

Amplified Bible
After striking them many times [with the rods], they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely.

Christian Standard Bible
After they had severely flogged them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to guard them carefully.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them securely guarded.

American Standard Version
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Contemporary English Version
After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully.

English Revised Version
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After they had hit Paul and Silas many times, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailer to keep them under tight security.

Good News Translation
After a severe beating, they were thrown into jail, and the jailer was ordered to lock them up tight.

International Standard Version
After giving them a severe beating, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailer to keep them under tight security.

Majority Standard Bible
And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.

NET Bible
After they had beaten them severely, they threw them into prison and commanded the jailer to guard them securely.

New Heart English Bible
When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely,

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.

Weymouth New Testament
and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail and bade the jailer keep them safely.

World English Bible
When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
having also laid on them many blows, they cast them into prison, having given charge to the jailor to keep them safely,

Berean Literal Bible
And having laid many blows on them, they cast them into prison, having charged the jailer to keep them securely,

Young's Literal Translation
many blows also having laid upon them, they cast them to prison, having given charge to the jailor to keep them safely,

Smith's Literal Translation
And many blows having been put upon them, they cast into prison, having commanded the jailor to keep them safely:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the gaoler to keep them diligently.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had inflicted many scourges on them, they cast them into prison, instructing the guard to watch them diligently.

New American Bible
After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely.

New Revised Standard Version
After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when they had flogged them severely, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to watch them carefully. Paul and Silas in prison.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when they had scourged them much, they cast them into the prison and commanded the Keeper of the prison to keep them securely.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, and charged the jailer to keep them securely.

Godbey New Testament
And having laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them safely:

Haweis New Testament
And laying on them many stripes, cast them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them in safe custody:

Mace New Testament
after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe.

Weymouth New Testament
and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail and bade the jailer keep them safely.

Worrell New Testament
and, having laid upon them many stripes, they thrust them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely;

Worsley New Testament
And when they had given them many stripes, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul and Silas Imprisoned
22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. 23And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. 24On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

Philippians 1:30
since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

1 Thessalonians 2:2
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.

2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

Hebrews 11:36
Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

1 Peter 4:14-16
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. / Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. / But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

2 Corinthians 6:4-5
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;

1 Corinthians 4:11-13
To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 37:15-16
The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. / So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.


Treasury of Scripture

And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

they cast.

Acts 5:18
And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Acts 9:2
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

to keep.

Acts 5:23
Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

Acts 12:18
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

1 Samuel 23:22,23
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly…

Jump to Previous
Bade Blows Cast Charge Charging Commanded Commanding Flogged Flogging Great Guard Inflicted Jail Jailer Keeper Laid Orders Prison Safely Securely Severely Stripes Struck Threw Thrown
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Bade Blows Cast Charge Charging Commanded Commanding Flogged Flogging Great Guard Inflicted Jail Jailer Keeper Laid Orders Prison Safely Securely Severely Stripes Struck Threw Thrown
Acts 16
1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14. convert Lydia,
16. and cast out a spirit of divination;
19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25. The prison doors are opened.
31. The jailor is converted,
35. and they are delivered.














And after striking them with many blows
This phrase indicates the severity of the punishment inflicted upon Paul and Silas. The Greek word for "striking" is "πλήσσω" (plēssō), which implies a forceful and violent action. Historically, Roman authorities often used flogging as a means to punish and intimidate. The "many blows" suggest a brutal beating, reflecting the harsh realities faced by early Christians who were often persecuted for their faith. This act of violence underscores the physical suffering endured by the apostles, which they bore with resilience and faith, serving as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

they threw them into prison
The act of throwing Paul and Silas into prison signifies the immediate and harsh response of the authorities to their preaching. The Greek word "βάλλω" (ballō) for "threw" conveys a sense of force and disregard, highlighting the contempt with which the apostles were treated. Prisons in the Roman world were often dark, damp, and overcrowded, serving as places of punishment rather than rehabilitation. This imprisonment was not just a physical confinement but also a spiritual trial, testing the apostles' faith and resolve. Yet, it also set the stage for a miraculous intervention by God, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.

and ordered the jailer
The "jailer" was a key figure in the Roman penal system, responsible for maintaining order and security within the prison. The Greek term "δεσμοφύλαξ" (desmophylax) indicates a custodian or guardian of prisoners. The jailer's role was crucial, as he was accountable for the prisoners' containment and any escape could result in severe penalties for him. This order reflects the seriousness with which the authorities viewed Paul and Silas, considering them significant threats to the public order due to their preaching of the Gospel.

to guard them securely
The instruction to "guard them securely" underscores the perceived threat that Paul and Silas posed to the Roman authorities. The Greek word "ἀσφαλῶς" (asphalōs) means securely or safely, indicating that extra precautions were taken to ensure they would not escape. This reflects the tension between the burgeoning Christian movement and the established Roman order. The authorities' insistence on secure confinement highlights their fear of the transformative power of the Gospel, which challenged the status quo and threatened to upend societal norms. Despite these human efforts to contain them, the subsequent divine intervention would reveal the futility of opposing God's plan.

(23) And when they had laid many stripes upon them.--The words imply a punishment of more than usual severity, such as would leave their backs lacerated and bleeding. So in 1Thessalonians 2:2, St. Paul speaks of having been "shamefully entreated" at Philippi.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

after striking
ἐπιθέντες (epithentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.

them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

with many
πολλάς (pollas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

blows,
πληγὰς (plēgas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4127: A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity.

they threw [them]
ἔβαλον (ebalon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

prison
φυλακήν (phylakēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.

[and] ordered
παραγγείλαντες (parangeilantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3853: To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative 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.

jailer
δεσμοφύλακι (desmophylaki)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1200: A keeper of a prison, a jailer. From desmon and phulax; a jailer.

to guard
τηρεῖν (tērein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

them
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

securely.
ἀσφαλῶς (asphalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 806: Safely, securely, assuredly, certainly. Adverb from asphales; securely.


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NT Apostles: Acts 16:23 When they had laid many stripes (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 16:22
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