Verse MeaningActsComplex verse
Acts 16:3: Meaning Explained
Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those...
Acts 16:3
“Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him, so he circumcised him because of the Jews living in those areas — they all knew his father was Greek.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him. Paul had Timothy circumcised because Jewish people in the area knew his father was Greek.
What’s Happening Here
Paul was strategic. He had Timothy circumcised so Jewish people would accept him.
Key Words
circumciseda Jewish religious practice
Greekfrom Greece
Why It Matters
Paul adapted to cultural situations to help spread the gospel. He cared about what would help people listen to God's message.
Did You Know?
A person with a Greek father and Jewish mother might be accepted better if circumcised.
Word Study
G5126
Himτοῦτον
G2309
wouldἠθέλησεν
G3588
whichτὸν
G3972
PaulΠαῦλος
G4862
withσὺν
G846
himαὐτοῦ
G1831
have to go forthἐξελθεῖν
G2532
andκαὶ
G2983
tookλαβὼν
G4059
and circumcisedπεριέτεμεν
G1223
becauseδιὰ
G2453
of the JewsἸουδαίους
G5607
wereὄντας
G1722
inἐν
G5117
quartersτόποις
G1565
thoseἐκείνοις·
G1492
they knewᾔδεισαν
G1063
forγὰρ
G537
allἅπαντες
G3962
fatherπατὲρα
G3754
thatὅτι
G1672
a GreekἝλλην
G5225
wasὑπῆρχεν
Cross References
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Read Acts 16:3 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.