Acts 21:13
New International Version
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

New Living Translation
But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

English Standard Version
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Berean Literal Bible
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I have readiness not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

King James Bible
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

New King James Version
Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

NASB 1995
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

NASB 1977
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, crying and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Amplified Bible
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart [like this]? For I am ready not only to be bound and imprisoned, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

American Standard Version
Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
But Paul answered, "Why are you crying and breaking my heart? I am not only willing to be put in jail for the Lord Jesus, but I am even willing to die for him in Jerusalem!"

English Revised Version
Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Paul replied, "Why are you crying like this and breaking my heart? I'm ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but also to die there for the sake of the Lord, the one named Jesus."

Good News Translation
But he answered, "What are you doing, crying like this and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus."

International Standard Version
At this Paul replied, "What do you mean by crying and breaking my heart? I'm ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus!"

Majority Standard Bible
Then Paul answered, ?Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.?

NET Bible
Then Paul replied, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be tied up, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

New Heart English Bible
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep, and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
His reply was, "What can you mean by thus breaking my heart with your grief? Why, as for me, I am ready not only to go to Jerusalem and be put in chains, but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus."

World English Bible
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Paul answered, “Why are you weeping, and crushing my heart? For I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus”;

Berean Literal Bible
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I have readiness not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Young's Literal Translation
and Paul answered, 'What do ye -- weeping, and crushing mine heart? for I, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, am ready, for the name of the Lord Jesus;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Paul answered, What do ye weeping and breaking my heart? for I not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem, have prepared for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Paul answered, and said: What do you mean weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but to die also in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Paul responded by saying: “What do you accomplish by weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am prepared, not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

New American Bible
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? I am prepared not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Paul answered and said, Why do you weep and break my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the sake of the name of our LORD Jesus Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then Paulus answered and said, “What are you doing that you are weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of our Lord Yeshua.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Paul answered: What do you effect by weeping, and breaking my heart? For I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to suffer death in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
Then Paul responded and said, What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
But Paul replied, Why do ye thus?weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Mace New Testament
but Paul replied, what do you mean by afflicting me thus with your tears? I am not only ready to meet my chains, but even to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
His reply was, "What can you mean by thus breaking my heart with your grief? Why, as for me, I am ready not only to go to Jerusalem and be put in chains, but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus."

Worrell New Testament
Then Paul answered, "What are ye doing, weeping and crushing my heart? For I am ready, not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Worsley New Testament
But Paul answered, What do ye mean, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Visits Philip the Evangelist
12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14When he would not be dissuaded, we fell silent and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”…

Cross References
Philippians 1:20-21
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Romans 8:35-39
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 5:14-15
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. / And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

John 11:16
Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”

Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

2 Corinthians 4:8-11
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. ...

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Luke 14:26-27
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. / And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.

1 Corinthians 15:31
I face death every day, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.

1 Peter 4:12-14
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Isaiah 50:7
Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.


Treasury of Scripture

Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

What.

1 Samuel 15:14
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

Isaiah 3:15
What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Ezekiel 18:2
What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

to weep.

Acts 20:37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

1 Samuel 1:8
Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

Philippians 2:26
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

for.

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …

1 Corinthians 15:31
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Jump to Previous
Bound Break Breaking Chains Death Die Grief Heart Jerusalem Jesus Mean Mine Paul Prisoner Ready Weep Weeping Wounding
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Bound Break Breaking Chains Death Die Grief Heart Jerusalem Jesus Mean Mine Paul Prisoner Ready Weep Weeping Wounding
Acts 21
1. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.
10. Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem,
13. he will not be dissuaded from going thither.
17. He comes to Jerusalem;
27. where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;
37. and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.














Then Paul answered,
Paul's response is a direct reaction to the emotional pleas of his companions and the local believers who were urging him not to go to Jerusalem. This moment highlights Paul's leadership and resolve, as well as his willingness to engage with those around him, even when they disagree with his decisions. It reflects the apostolic authority he carries and his commitment to his mission.

“Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?
Paul's question reveals his deep emotional connection with his fellow believers. The weeping of his companions shows their love and concern for him, knowing the dangers that await in Jerusalem. This phrase underscores the human aspect of Paul's ministry, showing that he is not immune to emotional pain and the influence of close relationships. It also reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers shared in each other's joys and sorrows.

I am ready not only to be bound,
Paul's readiness to be bound signifies his acceptance of the potential consequences of his mission. This echoes his earlier experiences of imprisonment and persecution, as seen in Acts 16:23-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. His willingness to face physical constraints for the sake of the Gospel demonstrates his unwavering commitment to Christ's call, reminiscent of Jesus' own journey towards suffering and sacrifice.

but also to die in Jerusalem
Paul's declaration of readiness to die mirrors the resolve of Jesus as He set His face towards Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him (Luke 9:51). This willingness to face death for the sake of the Gospel is a profound testament to Paul's faith and dedication. It also fulfills the prophecy given to him at his conversion, where he was told he would suffer for Christ's name (Acts 9:16).

for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Paul's motivation is rooted in his devotion to Jesus Christ. The "name of the Lord Jesus" signifies the authority and mission of Christ, which Paul is committed to proclaiming, regardless of personal cost. This echoes the early church's emphasis on the power and significance of Jesus' name (Acts 4:12). Paul's statement is a powerful reminder of the call to discipleship, where following Christ may lead to suffering and sacrifice, as Jesus Himself taught (Matthew 16:24-25).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle and central figure in this passage, expressing his unwavering commitment to his mission and willingness to face persecution for the sake of Christ.

2. Jerusalem
The city where Paul is determined to go, despite the warnings of danger, as it holds significant importance in the early Christian church and is a focal point of his mission.

3. The Weeping Disciples
Fellow believers who are concerned for Paul's safety and are emotionally moved by the prospect of his suffering.

4. The Prophecy of Agabus
Prior to this verse, Agabus, a prophet, had foretold that Paul would be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem, which is the cause of the disciples' distress.

5. The Name of the Lord Jesus
The central reason for Paul's willingness to suffer, highlighting the importance of Jesus' name and mission in Paul's life.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Christ
Paul's readiness to face imprisonment and death challenges us to evaluate our own commitment to Christ. Are we willing to endure hardship for our faith?

Courage in the Face of Persecution
Paul's courage serves as an example for believers facing opposition. We are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's plan.

The Power of the Name of Jesus
Paul's motivation is rooted in the name of Jesus, reminding us of the power and authority of Christ's name in our lives and mission.

Emotional Responses in Ministry
The disciples' weeping shows the deep emotional bonds within the Christian community. We should support and encourage one another, even when facing difficult paths.

Understanding God's Will
Despite the warnings, Paul discerns God's will for his life. We must seek God's guidance and be willing to follow His leading, even when it involves personal sacrifice.(13) What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?--Better, What mean ye weeping and breaking . . .? The intense sensitiveness of St. Paul's nature shows itself in every syllable. It was with no Stoic hardness that he resisted their entreaties. They were positively crushing to him. He adhered to his purpose, but it was as with a broken heart. In spite of this, however, his martyr-like, Luther-like nature carried him forward. Bonds and imprisonment!--these he had heard of when he was yet at Corinth and Ephesus, before he had started on his journey; but what were they to one who was ready to face death? The pronouns are throughout emphatic. "You are breaking my heart. I, for my part, am ready . . ."

Verse 13. - What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for what mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? A.V. (the same sense only a more modern idiom). Breaking. Συνθρύπτοντες occurs only here in the New Testament, or indeed in any Greek writer, though the simple form, θρύπτω, is common in medical writers, and ἀποθρύπτω occurs in Plato. It has the force of the Latin frangere animum, to crush and weaken the spirit. I am ready. Paul's answer reminds us of Peter's saying to our Lord, "Lord, I am ready to go with thee both into prison, and to death" (Luke 22:33). But Peter's resolve was made in his own strength, Paul's in the strength of the Holy Ghost; and so the one was broken, and the other was kept.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Τότε (Tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

answered,
ἀπεκρίθη (apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Why
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you
ποιεῖτε (poieite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

weeping
κλαίοντες (klaiontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2799: To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

breaking
συνθρύπτοντές (synthryptontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4919: To break in pieces, crush, thoroughly weaken. From sun and thrupto; to crush together, i.e. to dispirit.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

heart?
καρδίαν (kardian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

am
ἔχω (echō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

ready
ἑτοίμως (hetoimōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2093: Readily. Adverb from hetoimos; in readiness.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

only
μόνον (monon)
Adverb
Strong's 3440: Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.

to be bound,
δεθῆναι (dethēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 1210: To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to die
ἀποθανεῖν (apothanein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

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

Jerusalem
Ἰερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

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.

name
ὀνόματος (onomatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

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.


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