Acts 23:19
New International Version
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

New Living Translation
The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

English Standard Version
The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

Berean Standard Bible
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Then the commander, having taken hold of his hand and having withdrawn in private, began to inquire, "What is it that you have to report to me?"

King James Bible
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

New King James Version
Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

New American Standard Bible
The commander took him by the hand, and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

NASB 1995
The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

NASB 1977
And the commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”

Amplified Bible
The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to ask him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

Christian Standard Bible
The commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired privately, “What is it you have to report to me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired privately, “What is it you have to report to me?"”

American Standard Version
And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is it that thou hast to tell me?

Contemporary English Version
The commander took the young man aside and asked him in private, "What do you want to tell me?"

English Revised Version
And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is that thou hast to tell me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officer took the young man by the arm, went where they could be alone, and asked him, "What do you have to tell me?"

Good News Translation
The commander took him by the hand, led him off by himself, and asked him, "What do you have to tell me?"

International Standard Version
The tribune took him by the hand, stepped aside to be alone with him, and asked, "What have you got to tell me?"

Majority Standard Bible
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, ?What do you need to tell me??

NET Bible
The commanding officer took him by the hand, withdrew privately, and asked, "What is it that you want to report to me?"

New Heart English Bible
The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

Weymouth New Testament
Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?"

World English Bible
The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the chief captain having taken him by the hand, and having withdrawn by themselves, inquired, “What is that which you have to tell me?”

Berean Literal Bible
Then the commander, having taken hold of his hand and having withdrawn in private, began to inquire, "What is it that you have to report to me?"

Young's Literal Translation
And the chief captain having taken him by the hand, and having withdrawn by themselves, inquired, 'What is that which thou hast to tell me?'

Smith's Literal Translation
The captain of a thousand, having taken his hand, and having withdrawn in private, inquired, What is it which thou hast to announce to me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the tribune taking him by the hand, went aside with him privately, and asked him: What is it that thou hast to tell me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the tribune, taking him by the hand, withdrew with him by themselves, and he asked him: “What is it that you have to tell me?”

New American Bible
The commander took him by the hand, drew him aside, and asked him privately, “What is it you have to report to me?”

New Revised Standard Version
The tribune took him by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, “What is it that you have to report to me?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the captain took the young man by his hand, and drew him aside, and asked him, What have you to tell me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Chiliarch took the youth by the hand and drew him to one side and was asking him, “What do you have to say to me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the officer took him by the hand, and went aside with him privately, and inquired: What is it that you have to tell me?

Godbey New Testament
And the chiliarch taking him by the hand, and having gone away privately, asked him, What is that which you have to tell me?

Haweis New Testament
Hereupon the tribune taking him by the hand, and leading him aside, inquired, What is it that thou hast to communicate to me?

Mace New Testament
then the tribune taking him by the hand, retir'd with him in private, and ask'd, what he had to say.

Weymouth New Testament
Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?"

Worrell New Testament
And the chief captain, taking hold of his hand, and going aside privately, was asking him, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Worsley New Testament
And the tribune took him by the hand, and retiring into a private apartment asked him, What is it which thou hast to tell me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Paul
18So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?” 20He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him.…

Cross References
Acts 9:25
One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.

Acts 22:25-29
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” / On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.” / The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. ...

Acts 25:10-12
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 27:42-43
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. / But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.

Acts 28:16
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 26:16
So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

John 18:28-29
Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”

John 19:12
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.

Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. / As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. / And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.

2 Timothy 4:16-17
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. / But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

Genesis 37:18-20
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”


Treasury of Scripture

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that you have to tell me?

took.

Jeremiah 31:32
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Mark 8:23
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Mark 9:27
But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

What.

Nehemiah 2:4
Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Esther 5:3
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Esther 7:2
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Jump to Previous
Apart Arm Captain Chief Chiliarch Commander Commanding Going Hand Hearing Inquire Inquired Me Officer Others Private Privately Report Side Stepping Themselves Tribune Withdrawn Withdrew Young
Jump to Next
Apart Arm Captain Chief Chiliarch Commander Commanding Going Hand Hearing Inquire Inquired Me Officer Others Private Privately Report Side Stepping Themselves Tribune Withdrawn Withdrew Young
Acts 23
1. As Paul pleads his cause,
2. Ananias commands them to strike him.
7. Dissension among his accusers.
11. God encourages him.
14. The Jews' vow to kill Paul,
20. is declared unto the chief captain.
27. He sends him to Felix the governor.














The commander took the young man by the hand
This phrase highlights the Roman commander's personal involvement and concern. In the Roman military hierarchy, a commander, or tribune, held significant authority, overseeing a cohort of soldiers. His action of taking the young man by the hand indicates a gesture of protection and confidentiality, suggesting the seriousness of the situation. This reflects the Roman practice of ensuring justice and order, as well as the providential care over Paul, as God uses even Roman authorities to protect His servants.

drew him aside
The act of drawing the young man aside signifies the commander's intent to hear the message privately, away from potential eavesdroppers. This reflects the Roman practice of maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters. It also underscores the gravity of the information, as the commander seeks to prevent any premature exposure that could endanger Paul or the young man. This moment of privacy is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan to preserve Paul for his mission.

and asked, “What do you need to tell me?”
The commander's question shows his willingness to listen and act upon the information provided. This openness to hear the young man's message is significant, as it demonstrates the Roman commitment to justice and due process. It also highlights the divine orchestration at work, as God uses the commander's inquiry to thwart the plot against Paul. This interaction can be seen as a type of Christ's own role as an intercessor, listening to and acting on behalf of those who come to Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Commander (Claudius Lysias)
A Roman military officer responsible for maintaining order in Jerusalem. He plays a crucial role in protecting Paul from the Jewish mob.

2. Paul the Apostle
A key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological contributions. At this point, he is under Roman protection due to threats against his life.

3. Paul's Nephew
A young man who overhears a plot against Paul and informs the Roman commander, demonstrating the providence of God in protecting His servants.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, a center of religious and political tension during this period.

5. The Plot
A conspiracy by more than forty Jews to kill Paul, highlighting the intense opposition he faced from some Jewish leaders.
Teaching Points
Divine Providence
God's hand is evident in the protection of His servants. Just as He used Paul's nephew to thwart the plot, God can use unexpected means to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

Courage in Adversity
Paul’s calmness and trust in God amidst threats serve as a model for believers facing persecution or trials. We are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's sovereignty.

The Role of Family
Paul's nephew plays a crucial role in his protection. This highlights the importance of family and community in supporting and safeguarding one another in the faith.

Wisdom in Action
The commander's decision to take Paul’s nephew aside privately shows the importance of handling sensitive information with discretion and wisdom.Verse 19. - And for then, A.V.; going aside asked him privately for went with him aside privately, and asked him, A.V. Took him by the hand (ἐπιλαβόμενος τῆς χειρὸς); see above, Acts 17:19, note. The action denotes a kindly feeling towards St. Paul, as indeed his whole conduct does (comp. Acts 24:23; Acts 27:3; also Daniel 1:9 and Psalm 106:46).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(ho)
Article - Nominative 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.

commander
χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers

took
Ἐπιλαβόμενος (Epilabomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1949: To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent).

[the young man]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.

by 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.

hand,
χειρὸς (cheiros)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

drew [him]
ἀναχωρήσας (anachōrēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 402: From ana and choreo; to retire.

aside,
ἰδίαν (idian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

and asked,
ἐπυνθάνετο (epynthaneto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4441: To ask, inquire, ascertain by inquiry, understand.

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

do you need
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

to tell
ἀπαγγεῖλαί (apangeilai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.

me?”
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Apostles: Acts 23:19 The commanding officer took him by (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 23:18
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