Acts 20:26
New International Version
Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.

New Living Translation
I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault,

English Standard Version
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all,

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I testify to you in this day that I am innocent of the blood of all.

King James Bible
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

New King James Version
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all people.

NASB 1995
“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

NASB 1977
“Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all.

Amplified Bible
For that reason I testify to you on this [our parting] day that I am innocent of the blood of all people.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore I declare to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of everyone’s blood,

American Standard Version
Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Contemporary English Version
I tell you today I am no longer responsible for any of you!

English Revised Version
Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Therefore, I declare to you today that I am not responsible for the [spiritual] death of any of you.

Good News Translation
So I solemnly declare to you this very day: if any of you should be lost, I am not responsible.

International Standard Version
I therefore declare to you today that I'm not responsible for the blood of any of you,

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

NET Bible
Therefore I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of you all.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore I testify to you today that I am innocent of everyone's blood,

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore I protest to you to-day that I am not responsible for the ruin of any one of you.

World English Bible
Therefore I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for this reason I take you to witness this day, that I [am] clear from the blood of all,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I testify to you in this day that I am innocent of the blood of all.

Young's Literal Translation
wherefore I take you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all,

Smith's Literal Translation
Wherefore I testify to you in this day, that I pure from the blood of all.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wherefore I take you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men;

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, I call you as witnesses on this very day: that I am clean from the blood of all.

New American Bible
And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore, I testify to you this very day that I am innocent of the blood of all.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And because of this, I testify to you today that I am pure from the blood of all of you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore I witness to you this clay, that I am pure from the blood of all men;

Haweis New Testament
Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Mace New Testament
I therefore declare to you at this present time, that I am not responsible for the ruin of any:

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore I protest to you to-day that I am not responsible for the ruin of any one of you.

Worrell New Testament
Wherefore, I testify to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men;

Worsley New Testament
Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
25Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. 26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 33:8-9
If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. / But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Ezekiel 3:18-19
If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.

Acts 18:6
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

2 Corinthians 7:2
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.

2 Samuel 3:28
Afterward, David heard about this and said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner.

Jeremiah 42:21
For I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in all He has sent me to tell you.

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

1 Samuel 12:3-5
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.

1 Thessalonians 2:10
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.

Philippians 1:16
The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:4
My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.

1 Timothy 5:22
Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Deuteronomy 21:6-7
Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken, / and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.


Treasury of Scripture

Why I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

I take.

Job 16:19
Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

John 12:17
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

John 19:35
And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

that.

Acts 18:6
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

2 Samuel 3:28
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

Ezekiel 3:18-21
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand…

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Blood Clean Clear Declare Innocent Protest Pure Record Responsible Ruin Testify Today To-Day Wherefore Witness
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Blood Clean Clear Declare Innocent Protest Pure Record Responsible Ruin Testify Today To-Day Wherefore Witness
Acts 20
1. Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.
7. He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.
9. Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.
13. Paul continues his travels;
17. and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28. commits God's flock to them,
29. warns them of false teachers,
32. commends them to God,
36. prays with them, and departs.














Therefore I testify
The word "testify" in Greek is "διαμαρτύρομαι" (diamarturomai), which means to solemnly affirm or declare. In the context of Acts 20, Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, emphasizing the seriousness and truth of his statement. This word choice underscores the gravity of Paul's message and his role as a witness to the truth of the Gospel. Historically, testifying was a legal term, often used in court settings, indicating the importance of Paul's declaration as a binding and truthful statement before God and man.

to you this day
The phrase "this day" highlights the immediacy and urgency of Paul's message. It signifies a specific moment in time, a pivotal point in Paul's ministry. In the historical context, Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, aware of the dangers that await him. This urgency is a call to the Ephesian elders to heed his words and continue the work he has begun. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing the moment to fulfill God's calling.

that I am innocent
The Greek word for "innocent" is "καθαρός" (katharos), meaning clean or pure. Paul is asserting his clear conscience regarding his ministry. He has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel and fulfilled his duty as an apostle. This declaration of innocence is not a claim of sinlessness but rather a statement that he has not withheld the truth from those he was called to serve. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the Christian responsibility to share the Gospel fully and truthfully, leaving the outcome to God.

of the blood of all men
This phrase echoes the Old Testament concept found in Ezekiel 33:6, where a watchman is held accountable for warning the people. The "blood" signifies responsibility for the spiritual well-being of others. Paul is declaring that he has fulfilled his duty as a spiritual watchman, having warned and taught all he could. Historically, this reflects the seriousness with which early Christians viewed their evangelistic mission. It serves as a sobering reminder of the weight of spiritual leadership and the call to faithfully proclaim God's truth to all people.

(26) I am pure from the blood of all men.--The image was a familiar one in the Apostle's lips (Acts 18:6). It rested on the language of an older prophet (Ezekiel 3:18; Ezekiel 3:20). He had acted on the teaching of that prophet, and none could require the blood of any man at his hands.

Verse 26. - Testify unto you for take you to record, A.V. The solemnity of this address is dependent upon the speaker's conviction that he was speaking to his hearers for the last time. Hence the force of the words, "this day" (ἐν τῇ σήμερον ἡμέρᾳ); "my last opportunity." I am pure, etc. (comp. Ezekiel 3:17-21; Ezekiel 33:2, 9; Hebrews 13:17). Note the peril of hiding or watering God's truth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore
διότι (dioti)
Conjunction
Strong's 1360: On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.

I testify
μαρτύρομαι (martyromai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3143: (properly: To call (summon) to witness, and then absolutely) To testify, protest, asseverate; To conjure, solemnly charge.

to you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

this
σήμερον (sēmeron)
Adverb
Strong's 4594: Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now.

day
ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I [am]
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

innocent
καθαρός (katharos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2513: Clean.

of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

blood
αἵματος (haimatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 129: Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.

of all [men].
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.


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