Acts 17:20
New International Version
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.”

New Living Translation
“You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.”

English Standard Version
For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.”

Berean Standard Bible
For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”

Berean Literal Bible
For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. We resolve therefore to know what these things wish to be."

King James Bible
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

New King James Version
For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.”

New American Standard Bible
For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.”

NASB 1995
“For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.”

NASB 1977
“For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; we want to know therefore what these things mean.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. So we want to know what these things mean.”

Amplified Bible
For you are bringing some startling and strange things to our ears; so we want to know what they mean.”

Christian Standard Bible
Because what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these things mean.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these ideas mean.”

American Standard Version
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

Contemporary English Version
We have heard you say some strange things, and we want to know what you mean."

English Revised Version
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some of the things you say sound strange to us. So we would like to know what they mean."

Good News Translation
Some of the things we hear you say sound strange to us, and we would like to know what they mean." (

International Standard Version
It sounds rather strange to our ears, and we would like to know what it means."

Majority Standard Bible
For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”

NET Bible
For you are bringing some surprising things to our ears, so we want to know what they mean."

New Heart English Bible
For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean."

Webster's Bible Translation
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears; we would know therefore what these things mean.

Weymouth New Testament
For the things you are saying sound strange to us. We should therefore like to be told exactly what they mean."

World English Bible
For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for you bring certain strange things to our ears? We resolve, then, to know what these things would wish to be”;

Berean Literal Bible
For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. We resolve therefore to know what these things wish to be."

Young's Literal Translation
for certain strange things thou dost bring to our ears? we wish, then, to know what these things would wish to be;'

Smith's Literal Translation
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we wish therefore to know what these things may be.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For thou bringest in certain new things to our ears. We would know therefore what these things mean.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For you bring certain new ideas to our ears. And so we would like to know what these things mean.”

New American Bible
For you bring some strange notions to our ears; we should like to know what these things mean.”

New Revised Standard Version
It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For you proclaim strange words to our ears and we want to know what these things mean.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For you have sown strange words in our hearing and we wish to know what these things are.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For you bring some strange things to our ears: we wish to understand then what these things mean.

Godbey New Testament
For you bring certain strange things to our hearing: therefore we desire to know what these things wish to be.

Haweis New Testament
For thou bringest some strange stories to our ears; we wish therefore to know what these things mean.

Mace New Testament
for what you say sounds so very strange, we should be glad to know what it means.

Weymouth New Testament
For the things you are saying sound strange to us. We should therefore like to be told exactly what they mean."

Worrell New Testament
for you bring to our ears certain strange things; we wish, therefore, to know what these things mean."

Worsley New Testament
For thou bringest strange things to our ears; we would therefore know what these things mean.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul in Athens
19So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” 21Now all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing more than hearing and articulating new ideas.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:22-24
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 4:9-10
For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. / We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-2
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. / For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Isaiah 44:25
who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,

Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

Jeremiah 10:7-8
Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. / But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!

Ezekiel 33:32
Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.


Treasury of Scripture

For you bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

strange.

Hosea 8:12
I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.

Matthew 19:23-25
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven…

Mark 10:24-26
And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! …

what.

Acts 2:12
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 10:17
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Mark 9:10
And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

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Desire Ears Exactly Ideas Mean Mean Seem Sense Sound Strange Want Wish
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Desire Ears Exactly Ideas Mean Mean Seem Sense Sound Strange Want Wish
Acts 17
1. Paul preaches at Thessalonica, where some believe,
5. and others persecute him.
10. He is sent to Berea, and preaches there.
13. Being persecuted by Jews from Thessalonica,
16. he comes to Athens, and disputes and preaches the living God, to them unknown;
32. whereby, though some mock, many are converted unto Christ.














For you are bringing
This phrase indicates an action of introduction or presentation. In the context of Acts 17, Paul is in Athens, a city known for its intellectual pursuits and philosophical debates. The Greek word used here, "εἰσφέρω" (eispherō), suggests the act of carrying or bringing something into a place. Paul is introducing new ideas to the Athenians, which is significant because it highlights the missionary aspect of his journey. The act of bringing the Gospel to new ears is a central theme in Acts, emphasizing the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

some strange notions
The word "strange" here is translated from the Greek "ξενίζω" (xenizō), which means foreign or unfamiliar. The Athenians were accustomed to hearing various philosophies, yet Paul's message was unique and unlike anything they had encountered. This reflects the novelty and transformative nature of the Gospel. The term "notions" refers to ideas or teachings, indicating that the Athenians were intrigued by the content of Paul's message, which was the proclamation of Jesus Christ and the resurrection.

to our ears
This phrase emphasizes the auditory reception of Paul's message. In the ancient world, oral communication was a primary means of sharing information. The Athenians' reference to their "ears" suggests an openness to listen, which is crucial for the dissemination of the Gospel. It also implies a communal experience, as the message was heard collectively, inviting public discourse and reflection.

and we want to know
The desire "to know" reflects the intellectual curiosity of the Athenians. The Greek word "ἐπιθυμέω" (epithymeō) conveys a strong desire or longing. This curiosity is a positive trait, as it opens the door for deeper understanding and engagement with the Gospel. It also demonstrates the universal quest for truth and meaning, which Christianity addresses through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

what they mean
The Athenians' inquiry into the meaning of Paul's message underscores the importance of understanding and interpretation. The Greek word "θέλω" (thelō) used here implies a wish or intent to comprehend. This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the truth of the Gospel to those who seek it. The Athenians' request for explanation provides Paul with an opportunity to expound on the Christian faith, illustrating the necessity of clear and effective communication in evangelism.

(20) Thou bringest certain strange things.--The adjective stands for a Greek participle, things that startle, or leave an impression of strangeness.

Verse 20. - Strange things. Χενίζειν, in this use of it, means to act or play the foreigner, to imitate the manners and language and appearance of a foreigner (ξένος), just as Ἰουδαίζειν Ἐλληνίζειν Αττικίζειν, etc., mean to Judaize, Hellenize, Atticize, etc. Here, then, the Athenians say that St. Paul's doctrines have a foreign air, do not look like native Athenian speculations.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

you are bringing
εἰσφέρεις (eisphereis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1533: To lead into, bring in, announce. From eis and phero; to carry inward.

some
τινα (tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

strange notions
ξενίζοντα (xenizonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3579: (a) I entertain a stranger, (b) I startle, bewilder. From xenos; to be a host; by implication, be strange.

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

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

ears,
ἀκοὰς (akoas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 189: Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing.

[and]
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

we want
βουλόμεθα (boulometha)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1014: To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.

to know
γνῶναι (gnōnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

what
τίνα (tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

[they]
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

mean.”
θέλει (thelei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.


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