Acts 20:35
New International Version
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “

New Living Translation
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

English Standard Version
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Berean Standard Bible
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Berean Literal Bible
In everything I showed you that by thus straining, it behooves us to aid those being weak, and also to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, 'It is more Blessed to give than to receive.'"

King James Bible
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

New King James Version
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

NASB 1995
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

NASB 1977
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Amplified Bible
In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’”

Christian Standard Bible
In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

American Standard Version
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Contemporary English Version
By everything I did, I showed how you should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord Jesus said, "More blessings come from giving than from receiving."

English Revised Version
In all things I gave you an example, how that so labouring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have given you an example that by working hard like this we should help the weak. We should remember the words that the Lord Jesus said, 'Giving gifts is more satisfying than receiving them.'"

Good News Translation
I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, 'There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.'"

International Standard Version
In every way I showed you that by working hard like this we should help the weak and remember the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Majority Standard Bible
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ?It is more blessed to give than to receive.??

NET Bible
By all these things, I have shown you that by working in this way we must help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

New Heart English Bible
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
I have shown you all things, that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Weymouth New Testament
In all things I have set you an example, showing you that, by working as I do, you ought to help the weak, and to bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, "'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

World English Bible
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I showed you all things, that, thus laboring, it is necessary to partake with the ailing, to also be mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Berean Literal Bible
In everything I showed you that by thus straining, it behooves us to aid those being weak, and also to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, 'It is more Blessed to give than to receive.'"

Young's Literal Translation
all things I did shew you, that, thus labouring, it behoveth us to partake with the ailing, to be mindful also of the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

Smith's Literal Translation
I shewed you all things, that so being wearied ye must support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that himself said, It is happy to give rather than receive.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have revealed all things to you, because by laboring in this way, it is necessary to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

New American Bible
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have showed you all things, how that one must work hard, and be mindful of the weak, and remember the words of our LORD Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And I have shown you everything, that thus it is necessary to labor and to take care of those who are weak and to remember the words of our Lord Yeshua, who said, 'He who gives is more blessed than he who receives.'”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
In all things I have taught you by example, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive.

Godbey New Testament
I have shown you all things, that it so behooveth you laboring to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Haweis New Testament
In all things I have set you the example, that so labouring hard ye ought to help the infirm, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he himself said, ?It is more blessed to give than to receive.?

Mace New Testament
my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."

Weymouth New Testament
In all things I have set you an example, showing you that, by working as I do, you ought to help the weak, and to bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, "'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Worrell New Testament
In all things I showed you that, thus laboring, ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Worsley New Testament
I have shewed you in all things, that by labouring thus ye ought to support the infirm; and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. 35In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.…

Cross References
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, / nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. / Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.


Treasury of Scripture

I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

shewed.

Acts 20:20,27
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, …

how that.

Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

1 Corinthians 9:12
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

It is.

Psalm 41:1-3
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble…

Psalm 112:5-9
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion…

Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

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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.














In everything
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Paul's example. The Greek word "πάντα" (panta) suggests an all-encompassing approach to life and ministry. Paul is not selective in his demonstration of Christian living; rather, he embodies a holistic commitment to the teachings of Christ. This serves as a reminder that our faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, leaving no area untouched by the love and service of Christ.

I showed you
The Greek verb "ὑπέδειξα" (hupedeixa) implies a demonstration or a setting forth as an example. Paul is not merely instructing with words but is actively modeling the behavior he wishes to see in others. This aligns with the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Paul’s life is a living testimony, encouraging believers to lead by example in their own communities.

that by this kind of hard work
The phrase underscores the value of diligence and effort in the Christian life. The Greek word "κοπιῶντας" (kopiontas) refers to laborious toil, suggesting that the Christian journey is not one of ease but of dedicated service. This reflects the biblical work ethic that honors God through industriousness and perseverance, as seen in Proverbs 14:23, "In all toil there is profit."

we must help the weak
Here, "help" translates from the Greek "ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι" (antilambanesthai), meaning to support or assist. The "weak" (ἀσθενεῖς, astheneis) refers to those who are physically, spiritually, or economically disadvantaged. This call to aid the vulnerable is a recurring theme in Scripture, echoing Jesus’ ministry to the marginalized and His command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself
This phrase highlights the importance of recalling and adhering to the teachings of Christ. The Greek "μνημονεύειν" (mnēmoneuein) means to remember or to keep in mind continually. It is a call to let the words of Jesus guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that His teachings remain at the forefront of our lives.

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
This direct quote from Jesus, though not found in the Gospels, is preserved through oral tradition and the apostolic witness. The Greek word "μακάριόν" (makarion) for "blessed" conveys a sense of divine favor and happiness. This teaching challenges the worldly view of success and fulfillment, promoting a kingdom perspective where selflessness and generosity are the true measures of blessedness. It aligns with the beatitudes and the overarching message of the Gospel that true joy is found in serving others and living a life of sacrificial love.

(35) I have shewed you all things.--The words point to his motive in acting as he did. He sought to teach by example, to indicate in all things how others ought to act.

To support the weak.--The Greek verb is rightly rendered, but it deserves notice that it is the root of the noun translated "help" in 1Corinthians 12:28. The word "weak "is to be taken as implying bodily infirmities. (See Note on previous verse.)

To remember the words of the Lord Jesus.--The words that follow are not found in any of the four Canonical Gospels, nor indeed in any of the Apocryphal. They furnish, accordingly, an example of the wide diffusion of an oral teaching, embodying both the acts and the words of Christ, of which the four Gospels, especially the first three, are but partial representatives. On the other instances of sayings ascribed to our Lord, and probably in many cases rightly ascribed, see the Introduction to the First Three Gospels in Vol. I. of this Commentary. The injunction to "remember" the words implies that they had often been prominent in the Apostle's teaching.

Verse 35. - In all things I gave you an example for I have showed you all things, A.V.; help for support, A.V.; he himself for he, A.V. In all things (πάντα, for κατὰ πάντα, 1.q. πάντως); altogether, in all respects. Gave you an example. The common use of ὑποδείκνυμι is, as rendered in the A.V., "to show," "to teach," as in Acts 9:16; Luke 6:47; and repeatedly in the LXX. But perhaps its force here is equivalent to the phrase in John 13:15, ὑπόδειγμα ε}δωκα ὑμῖν, "I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you," as the R.V. takes it. So laboring; viz. as ye have seen me do. To help the weak. Meyer, following Bengel and others, understands this to mean the weak in faith," like ἀσθενής in 1 Corinthians 9:22. They say that St. Paul's self-denial in refusing the help he had a right to claim as an apostle, and supporting himself by his labor, was a great argument to convince the weak in faith of his disinterestedness and of the truth of his gospel, and so he recommends the elders of the Church to follow his example. But the word here is ἀσθενούντων, and ἀσθενεῖν and ἀσθενεία rather suggest the idea of bodily weakness (Matthew 25:36; Matthew 10:8, etc.; Luke 5:15, etc.), and the words of the Lord Jesus which follow suggest almsgiving to the needy. So that it is better to understand the word of the weakly and poor, those unable to work for themselves. Doubtless St. Paul, out of his scanty earnings, found something to give to the sick and needy. The sentiment in our text is thus exactly analogous to the precept in Ephesians 4:28. The very word there used, χερσίν, recalls the αἱ χεῖρες αὕται of ver. 34. To remember the words of the Lord Jesus. This is a solitary instance era saying of our Lord's, not recorded in the Gospels, being referred to in Scripture. There are many alleged sayings of Christ recorded in apocryphal Gospels or in the writings of Fathers as Papias and others (Routh, 'Reliq. Sac.,' 1:9, 10, 12), some of which may be authentic; but this alone is warranted by Scripture. How it came to St Paul's knowledge, and that of the Ephesian elders to whom he seems to have taken for granted that it was familiar, it is impossible to say. But it seems likely that, in those very early days, some of the Lord's unwritten words may have floated in the memory of men, and been preserved by word of mouth. Clement (1 Corinthians it.) seems to refer to the saying when he writes in praise of the former character of the Corinthians, that they were then ἥδιον διδόντες η} λομβάνοντες. But he probably had it from the Acts of the Apostles, as had the author of the 'Apostol. Constitut.' (4. 3, 1). Similar apophthegms are quoted from heathen writers, as those cited by Kuinoel: Δωρεῖσθαι καὶ διδόναι κρεῖττον η} λαμβάνειν (Artemidor., 'Onirocr.,' 4, 3); Μᾶλλόν ἐστὶ τοῦ ἐλευθέρου τὸ διδόναι οι{ς δεῖ ἠ λαμβάνειν ὕθεν δεῖ (Arist., 'Nieom.,' 4, 1), "It is more becoming to a free man to give to whom he ought to give, than to receive from whom he ought to receive."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In everything,
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter 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.

I showed
ὑπέδειξα (hypedeixa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5263: To indicate, intimate, suggest, show, prove. From hupo and deiknuo; to exhibit under the eyes, i.e. to exemplify.

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

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

by this kind
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

of hard work
κοπιῶντας (kopiōntas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2872: From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.

we must
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

help
ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι (antilambanesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 482: From anti and the middle voice of lambano; to take hold of in turn, i.e. Succor; also to participate.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

weak,
ἀσθενούντων (asthenountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.

remembering
μνημονεύειν (mnēmoneuein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3421: From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

words
λόγων (logōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive 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.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Himself:
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
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.

‘It is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd 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.

more
μᾶλλον (mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

blessed
Μακάριόν (Makarion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3107: Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.

to give
διδόναι (didonai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

than
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

to receive.??
λαμβάνειν (lambanein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.


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