Acts 22:11
New International Version
My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.

New Living Translation
“I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions.

English Standard Version
And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

Berean Standard Bible
Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.

Berean Literal Bible
And while I could not see from the brightness of that light, I came to Damascus, being led by the hand by those being with me.

King James Bible
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

New King James Version
And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

New American Standard Bible
But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I came into Damascus being led by the hand by those who were with me.

NASB 1995
“But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.

NASB 1977
“But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

Legacy Standard Bible
But since I could not see because of the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

Amplified Bible
But since I could not see because of the [glorious intensity and dazzling] brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.

Christian Standard Bible
“Since I couldn’t see because of the brightness of the light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and went into Damascus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since I couldn’t see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

American Standard Version
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me I came into Damascus.

Contemporary English Version
The light had been so bright that I couldn't see. And the others had to lead me by the hand to Damascus.

English Revised Version
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I was blind because the light had been so bright. So the men who were with me led me into the city of Damascus.

Good News Translation
I was blind because of the bright light, and so my companions took me by the hand and led me into Damascus.

International Standard Version
Since I could not see because of the brightness of the light, the men who were with me took me by the hand and led me into Damascus.

Majority Standard Bible
Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.

NET Bible
Since I could not see because of the brilliance of that light, I came to Damascus led by the hand of those who were with me.

New Heart English Bible
When I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

Weymouth New Testament
"And as I could not see because the light had been so dazzling, those who were with me had to lead me by the arm, and so I came to Damascus.

World English Bible
When I couldn’t see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when I did not see from the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who are with me, I came to Damascus,

Berean Literal Bible
And while I could not see from the brightness of that light, I came to Damascus, being led by the hand by those being with me.

Young's Literal Translation
'And when I did not see from the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who are with me, I came to Damascus,

Smith's Literal Translation
And when I saw not from the glory of that light, led by the hand of them being with me I came to Damascus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And whereas I did not see for the brightness of that light, being led by the hand by my companions, I came to Damascus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And since I could not see, because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by my companions, and I went to Damascus.

New American Bible
Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus.

New Revised Standard Version
Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Da-mas’cus.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And when I could see nothing because of the glory of that light, they who were with me held me by the hands, and I went to Darmsuq.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And as I could not see for the glory of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and went into Damascus.

Godbey New Testament
And when I did not see on account of the glory of that light, and being led by the hand by those journeying with me, I came into Damascus.

Haweis New Testament
Then as I could no longer see through the dazzling brightness of that light, led by the hand of those who were with me, I came to Damascus.

Mace New Testament
but as I had lost the use of my eyes by the splendor of that light, I was led by the hand to Damascus, by those who were with me.

Weymouth New Testament
"And as I could not see because the light had been so dazzling, those who were with me had to lead me by the arm, and so I came to Damascus.

Worrell New Testament
And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus.

Worsley New Testament
And as I could not see by reason of the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those that were with me, I came to Damascus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Defense to the Crowd
10Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up and go into Damascus,’ He told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’ 11 Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus. 12There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,…

Cross References
Acts 9:8-9
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. / For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink anything.

Acts 26:13-14
About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. / We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

John 9:39-41
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

John 12:40
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Matthew 13:14-15
In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

2 Kings 6:17-20
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. / As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. / And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. ...

Luke 24:16
But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

2 Corinthians 3:14-16
But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Romans 11:8-10
as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. / May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.”

Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.

Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

Psalm 146:8
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.


Treasury of Scripture

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

when.

Acts 9:8,9
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus…

being.

Acts 13:11
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Isaiah 42:16
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

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Acts 22
1. Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,
17. and called to his apostleship.
22. At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him.
24. He would have been scourged;
25. but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes.














Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me
The phrase refers to Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. The "brilliance of the light" signifies the divine glory and presence of Jesus, often associated with God's revelation (Exodus 34:29-35, Matthew 17:2). This light was so intense that it physically blinded Paul, symbolizing his spiritual blindness and need for transformation. The blinding light is reminiscent of Old Testament theophanies where God's presence is revealed through light (Ezekiel 1:28, Daniel 10:6).

my companions led me by the hand
Paul's companions, who were likely fellow travelers or guards, had to guide him due to his blindness. This act of being led by the hand underscores Paul's helplessness and dependence, a stark contrast to his previous self-reliance and authority as a Pharisee. It illustrates the humbling process God often uses to prepare individuals for His purposes (Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6).

into Damascus
Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in modern-day Syria. At the time of Paul's journey, it was a significant cultural and commercial center. Historically, Damascus was a place of refuge and transformation for Paul, where he would begin his new mission as an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). The city's mention connects to the broader narrative of the early church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, fulfilling Jesus' command to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul (formerly Saul)
The central figure in this passage, Paul recounts his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. He was a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians before his encounter with Christ.

2. The Light
This refers to the divine light from heaven that shone around Paul, symbolizing the presence and glory of Jesus Christ. It was so intense that it blinded Paul.

3. Companions
These were the men traveling with Paul to Damascus. They witnessed the event but did not see the risen Christ or understand the voice speaking to Paul.

4. Damascus
A significant city in Syria, it was the destination of Paul’s journey where he intended to arrest Christians. Instead, it became the place of his physical and spiritual transformation.

5. The Road to Damascus
This event is pivotal in Christian history, marking the conversion of Paul, who would become one of the most influential apostles.
Teaching Points
Divine Intervention
God can intervene in our lives in unexpected ways to redirect our paths. Paul's experience teaches us to be open to God's transformative power.

Spiritual Blindness and Sight
Physical blindness led to Paul's spiritual sight. We must recognize our own spiritual blindness and seek God's light for true understanding.

Guidance in Times of Weakness
Just as Paul's companions led him by the hand, we need to rely on the support of fellow believers during times of weakness or uncertainty.

The Power of Testimony
Paul's recounting of his conversion is a powerful testimony. Sharing our personal encounters with Christ can inspire and encourage others.

Obedience to God's Call
Despite his initial mission, Paul obeyed the divine call. We should be willing to change our plans in obedience to God's direction.(11) And when I could not see for the glory of that light.--It is again characteristic of a personal recollection that, while the narrative of Acts 9:8 states only the fact of blindness, St. Paul himself connects it with its cause.

Verse 11. - When I could not see (comp. Acts 9:8, and note). Them that were with me (τῶν συνόντων μοι). Συνεῖναι occurs only here and Luke 9:18, but is used several times by the LXX. It is very common in medical waters for the accompanying symptoms of a disease.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Because
Ὡς (Hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

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

brilliance
δόξης (doxēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

of the
ἐκείνου (ekeinou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

light
φωτὸς (phōtos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

had blinded me,
ἐνέβλεπον (eneblepon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1689: From en and blepo; to look on, i.e. to observe fixedly, or to discern clearly.

my companions
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.

led me by the hand
χειραγωγούμενος (cheiragōgoumenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5496: To lead by the hand. From cheiragogos; to be a hand-leader, i.e. To guide.

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

Damascus.
Δαμασκόν (Damaskon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1154: Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.


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NT Apostles: Acts 22:11 When I couldn't see for the glory (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 22:10
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