Await
The Term 'Await' in Scripture
The term 'await' appears in the Authorized King James Version (1611) of Acts 9:24: "But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him." Here, 'await' is used as a noun in the phrase "laying await," an Early Modern English expression meaning to set an ambush or lay a plot. Modern translations, like the ESV and NIV, render this as "their plot" (ESV) or "their scheme" (NIV), clarifying the meaning for contemporary readers. This is the only instance where 'await' carries this specific nominal meaning in the KJV.
The Narrative Context: Saul's Escape from Damascus
The verse is part of the dramatic narrative of Saul's (later Paul's) conversion and early persecution. After his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), Saul began preaching boldly in the city's synagogues, astonishing the Jewish community. This provoked intense opposition from certain Jews who conspired to murder him (Acts 9:23). The "laying await" refers to their secret plan to ambush Saul at the city gates. Saul's disciples foiled the plot by lowering him in a basket through an opening in the city wall at night (Acts 9:25), an event Paul later references himself (2 Corinthians 11:32-33).
Historical and Translation Context
The King James Version's use of 'await' reflects the linguistic norms of the early 17th century. Words and phrases evolve, and what was clear to readers in 1611 can become obscure. The shift from "laying await" to "plot" in modern versions is an example of dynamic translation, prioritizing current comprehension over literal, archaic phrasing. This highlights the ongoing work of Bible translation to faithfully communicate the original meaning across linguistic and cultural shifts.
Theological Significance of the Event
While the term itself is archaic, the event it describes is theologically significant. It demonstrates the immediate and severe cost of discipleship. Saul's conversion led directly to persecution, fulfilling Jesus' warning that his followers would be hated (John 15:18-20). Furthermore, God's providential protection is evident. The discovery of the plot and Saul's miraculous escape ensured the survival of the man who would become the primary apostle to the Gentiles, showing that God safeguards his chosen instruments to accomplish his redemptive purposes (Acts 9:15-16). The episode underscores that opposition cannot ultimately thwart God's mission.
Biblical Context
The term 'await' in its unique KJV usage appears only in Acts 9:24, within the narrative of Saul's (Paul's) early ministry in Damascus following his conversion. It describes the ambush plotted by hostile Jews who sought to kill him for preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. This event plays a crucial role in Paul's biography, marking his first escape from persecution and facilitating his journey to Jerusalem and subsequent missionary work.
Theological Significance
The event described by 'laying await' teaches about the reality of spiritual opposition faced by those proclaiming the gospel. It highlights God's sovereign protection over his servants, ensuring that his purposes advance despite human hostility. Saul's escape was not merely a lucky break but a divine preservation of the key apostle to the Gentiles, illustrating that God's calling is accompanied by his preserving grace. It connects to the broader biblical theme of the suffering and deliverance of God's messengers.
Historical Background
The city of Damascus in the first century was a major Hellenistic city under Nabataean influence at the time. The "governor under King Aretas" mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:32 likely refers to the Nabataean ethnarch. City gates were natural points for ambush, as they controlled all traffic. Lowering someone through a window in a city wall (likely a house built into the wall) was a documented method of escape. The KJV's use of 'await' reflects the vocabulary of Early Modern English, where it could function as a noun for 'ambush,' a usage that faded from common speech by the 19th century.