Acts 23:5
New International Version
Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

New Living Translation
“I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”

English Standard Version
And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

Berean Standard Bible
“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

Berean Literal Bible
And Paul was saying, "I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it has been written: 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'"

King James Bible
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

New King James Version
Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it is written: ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

NASB 1995
And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

NASB 1977
And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

Amplified Bible
Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

Christian Standard Bible
“I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest,” replied Paul. “For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people. ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest,” replied Paul. “For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”

American Standard Version
And Paul said, I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people.

Contemporary English Version
Paul replied, "Oh! I didn't know he was the high priest. The Scriptures do tell us not to speak evil about a leader of our people."

English Revised Version
And Paul said, I wist not, brethren, that he was high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul answered, "Brothers, I didn't know that he is the chief priest. After all, Scripture says, 'Don't speak evil about a ruler of your people.'"

Good News Translation
Paul answered, "My fellow Israelites, I did not know that he was the High Priest. The scripture says, 'You must not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'"

International Standard Version
Paul answered, "I didn't realize, brothers, that he is the high priest. After all, it is written, 'You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.'"

Majority Standard Bible
?Brothers,? Paul replied, ?I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ?Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.??

NET Bible
Paul replied, "I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.'"

New Heart English Bible
Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Paul, I knew not, brethren, that he is the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Weymouth New Testament
"I did not know, brethren," replied Paul, "that he was the High Priest; for it is written, 'Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of Thy people.'"

World English Bible
Paul said, “I didn’t know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he is chief priest, for it has been written: You will not speak evil of the ruler of your people”;

Berean Literal Bible
And Paul was saying, "I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it has been written: 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'"

Young's Literal Translation
and Paul said, 'I did not know, brethren, that he is chief priest: for it hath been written, Of the ruler of thy people thou shalt not speak evil;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Paul said, I knew not, brethren, that he is chief priest: for it has been written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Paul said: I knew not, brethren, that he is the high priest. For it is written: Thou shalt not speak evil of the prince of thy people.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Paul said: “I did not know, brothers, that he is the high priest. For it is written: ‘You shall not speak evil of the leader of your people.’ ”

New American Bible
Paul answered, “Brothers, I did not realize he was the high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not curse a ruler of your people.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
And Paul said, “I did not realize, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Paul said to them, Brothers, I did not know that he was a high priest: for it is written, You shall not revile the ruler of your people.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Paulus said to them, “I was not aware, brothers, that he is The Priest, for it is written: 'Do not curse The Ruler of your people.' “
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Paul replied: I did not know, brethren, that he was the chief priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.

Godbey New Testament
And Paul said, Brethren, I did not know that he is the high priest; for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.

Haweis New Testament
And Paul said, I had not observed, brethren, that he was high-priest: for it is written, ?Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.?

Mace New Testament
Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest, it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."

Weymouth New Testament
"I did not know, brethren," replied Paul, "that he was the High Priest; for it is written, 'Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of Thy people.'"

Worrell New Testament
And Paul said, "I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest; for it has been written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

Worsley New Testament
And Paul said, I was not aware, brethren, that it was the high-priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Before the Sanhedrin
4But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!” 5“Brothers,” Paul replied, I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” 6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”…

Cross References
Exodus 22:28
You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.

1 Peter 2:17
Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Timothy 5:1
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,

Titus 3:1-2
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, / to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

1 Samuel 24:6
So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”

1 Samuel 26:9
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

2 Peter 2:10
Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.

Jude 1:8
Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.

Leviticus 19:32
You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 17:12
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.

2 Samuel 1:14
So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Paul, I knew not, brothers, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.

I wist.

Acts 24:17
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Thou.

Exodus 22:28
Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

Ecclesiastes 10:20
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

2 Peter 2:10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

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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.














Brothers
The term "Brothers" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is a common address used by Paul, reflecting the familial bond among believers. In the context of the Sanhedrin, it underscores Paul's connection to his Jewish heritage and his respect for the assembly, despite the tension. This term reminds us of the unity and shared faith among believers, transcending even the divisions of religious authority.

I was not aware
This phrase indicates Paul's genuine ignorance or possible sarcasm regarding the identity of the high priest. Historically, the high priest's role was central in Jewish religious life, yet the political turmoil of the time led to frequent changes in office, which might have contributed to Paul's lack of recognition. This highlights the importance of discernment and awareness in our interactions, especially in matters of authority.

that he was the high priest
The high priest (Greek: ἀρχιερεύς, archiereus) held the highest religious authority in Judaism, responsible for temple rituals and representing the people before God. Paul's statement reflects either a literal unawareness due to the high priest's informal attire or a critique of the high priest's behavior, which did not align with his sacred office. This calls us to recognize true spiritual authority, which is marked by godly character and actions.

Paul replied
Paul's response is measured and respectful, demonstrating his commitment to the truth and the law. His ability to remain composed under pressure serves as an example of how believers should respond to unjust treatment, with wisdom and respect for God's commandments.

for it is written
This phrase introduces a direct quotation from Scripture, emphasizing the authority and timeless relevance of God's Word. Paul often uses this formula to ground his arguments in the Hebrew Scriptures, showing that his teachings are consistent with God's revealed truth. It reminds us of the importance of Scripture as the foundation for our beliefs and actions.

Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people
This command, derived from Exodus 22:28, underscores the biblical principle of respecting authority. Despite the high priest's unjust actions, Paul adheres to the law, demonstrating integrity and submission to God's order. This teaches us the importance of honoring those in authority, even when they fall short, while trusting in God's ultimate justice.

(5) I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest.--These words admit of three different explanations:--(1) We may take them as stating that St. Paul, either from defective sight (see Notes on Acts 9:18; Acts 14:9), or because the high priest was not sitting as president of the Sanhedrin, literally did not know who it was that had given the order, and thought it came from one of the subordinate members of the council. (2) That the words were a somewhat ironical protest against the authority of Ananias as having been improperly appointed. (3) That the "I wist not" stands for "I did not consider," and is an apologetic recantation of what had been uttered with a full knowledge that the words had been spoken by the high priest. Of these the first seems by far the most probable. The solemn sneer pointed by words from Scripture suggested by (2) is at variance with St. Paul's character; and (3) puts upon the words a greater strain than they will bear. It is obvious that St. Paul might well think that greater reverence was due to the high priest than to one filling an inferior position in the councils.

Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.--The passage (Exodus 22:28) is interesting as one of those in which the Hebrew word Elohim, commonly translated "God," is used of earthly rulers. St. Paul probably quoted it in Hebrew (see Acts 22:2), while St. Luke reproduces it from the LXX. version. It need hardly be said that to act on that law towards the rulers, not, of "the people" only, but of the heathen; to see below all the corruptions of human society and the vices of princes, the scheme of a divine order; to recognise that "the powers that be are ordained of God," was throughout the ruling principle of the Apostle's conduct, and, for the most part, of that of the early Christians (Romans 13:1-6; 1Peter 2:13-17). Christianity was a great revolution, but they were not, politically or socially, revolutionists. . . .

Verse 5. - And Paul said for then said Paul, A.V.; high for the high, A.V.; a ruler for the ruler, A.V. I wist not, etc. These words express, as distinctly as words can express anything, that St. Paul was not aware, when he called Ananias a "whited wall," that he was addressing the high priest. Different reasons for this ignorance have been given. Some think that it arose from the uncertainty that existed whether Ananias really was high priest or not at this time, or whether the office was not in abeyance. Others attribute to Paul's weakness of sight the fact that he did not see that Ananias was sitting in the presidential chair, neither was able to recognize his features. Others, giving to οὐκ ἤδειν α sense which it never bus, render, "I did not reflect," or "bear in mind, that he was high priest." What is certain is that for some reason or other Paul did not know that he was speaking to the high priest. Had he known it, he would not have said what he did say, because the Law is express which says, Ἄρχοντα τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐ κακῶς ἐρεῖς (Exodus 22:28, LXX.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Brothers,”
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

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.

replied,
Ἔφη (Ephē)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

“I was not aware
ᾔδειν (ēdein)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

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

he was
ἐστὶν (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.

[the] high priest,
ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

it is written:
γέγραπται (gegraptai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

‘Do not speak
ἐρεῖς (ereis)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

evil
κακῶς (kakōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2560: Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly.

[about the] ruler
Ἄρχοντα (Archonta)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 758: Present participle of archo; a first.

of
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.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

people.’”
λαοῦ (laou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.


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