Acts 25:21

Acts 25:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But when Paul appealed to be held over for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

King James Version KJV

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.

American Standard Version ASV

But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept till I should send him to Cæsar.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But when Paul made a request that he might be judged by Caesar, I gave orders for him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, Paul appealed for his case to be heard by the emperor, so I ordered him detained until I could send him to Caesar.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But because he appealed to be reserued to the examination of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I mght send him to Cesar.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

but Paul having appealed to be kept to the hearing of Sebastus, I did command him to be kept till I might send him unto Caesar.'

World English Bible WEB

But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Paul appealing to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I might send him to Caesar.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Paul answered, ‘No. I am not willing to go to Jerusalem!

Plain English Version PEV

But Paul said, ‘No, I don’t want to go to Jerusalem. I want Caesar to judge me, that biggest boss in Rome.’ So I told my soldiers to guard Paul here, until I can send him to Caesar.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 25:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 25:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK του δε παυλου επικαλεσαμενου τηρηθηναι αυτον εις την του σεβαστου διαγνωσιν εκελευσα τηρεισθαι αυτον εως ου πεμψω αυτον προς καισαρα

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

παυλου Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-GSM

επικαλεσαμενου epikaleō G1941 to call (on)/name Verb-AMP-GSM

τηρηθηναι tēreō G5083 to keep: observe Verb-APN

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

σεβαστου sebastos G4575 Augustan Adj-GSM

διαγνωσιν diagnōsis G1233 decision Noun-ASF

εκελευσα keleuō G2753 to order Verb-AAI-1S

τηρεισθαι tēreō G5083 to keep: observe Verb-PPN

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

εως heōs G2193 until Adv

ου hos, hē G3739 which Rel-GSM

πεμψω pempō G3992 to send Verb-AAS-1S

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

προς pros G4314 to/with Prep

καισαρα Kaisar G2541 Caesar Noun-ASM

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Acts 25:21

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

παυλου Paulos G3972 "Paul" Noun-GSM

Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman apostle who wrote many letters in the New Testament, including Romans and 1 Corinthians. He is a key figure in the early Christian church.

Definition: Παῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. Paulus), __1. Sergius Paulus: Act.13:7. __2. the Apostle Paul (cf. Σαῦλος): Act.13:9, and frequently throughout Ac., Rom.1:1, 1Co.1:1, al., 2Pe.3:15. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 159 NT verses. KJV: Paul, Paulus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 20:37; Romans 1:1.

επικαλεσαμενου epikaleō G1941 "to call (on)/name" Verb-AMP-GSM

To call on someone's name means to invoke or appeal to them for help, as seen in Acts 10:5 where Peter is called by Cornelius. This term is often used to describe prayer or worship, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and support from a higher power.

Definition: ἐπι-καλέω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for קָרָא ;] __1. to call, name, surname: with accusative (cl.), Mat.10:25; pass., Act.1:23 4:36 10:5, 18 10:22 11:13 12:12, 25, Heb.11:16; τ. ὄνομα, before ἐπί (denoting possession, as Heb. עַל. . שֻׁם קָרָא), Act.15:17 (LXX), Jas.2:7 (see. CB on Amo.9:12). __2. Mid. (so also act.; cl., LXX), to call upon, invoke, appeal to (θεόν, θεούς, Hdt., Xen., al.; cf. Deiss., LAE, 426): Καίσαρα (Σεβαστόν, Act.25:25), Act.25:11-12, 21 26:32 28:19; sc. τ. Κύριον Ἰησοῦν, Act.7:59; μάρτυρα (cl.) τ. θεόν, 2Co.1:23; πατέρα, 1Pe.1:17; τ. κύριον, Rom.10:12, 2Ti.2:22; τ. ὄνομα κυρίου (μου, σου; like Heb. יְהוָֹה שֻׁם קָרָא), Act.2:21 (LXX) Act.9:14, 21 22:16, Rom.10:13-14" (LXX) 1Co.1:2 (Cremer, 335, 742).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: appeal (unto), call (on, upon), surname See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 15:17; 1 Peter 1:17.

τηρηθηναι tēreō G5083 "to keep: observe" Verb-APN

This word means to keep or observe something, like watching over it to keep it safe. Jesus uses it in John 17:11-12 to ask God to keep his followers safe. The Bible translates it as 'hold fast' or 'keep'.

Definition: τηρέω, -ῶ [in LXX for שָׁמַר, נָצַר, etc. ;] __1. to watch over, guard, keep, preserve: Mat.27:36, Act.16:23, al.; ἑαυτόν, 2Co.11:9, 1Ti.5:22, Jas.1:27, Ju 21; before εἰς, Jhn.12:7, Act.25:21, 1Pe.1:4, 2Pe.2:4 2:9 3:7, Ju 6; ἐν, Jhn.17:11-12, Ju 21; ἐκ, Jhn.17:15, Rev.3:10; τ. πίστιν, 2Ti.4:7, Rev.14:12; τ. ἑνότητα τ. πνεύματος, Eph.4:3. __2. to watch, give heed to, observe: τ. σάββατον, Jhn.9:16; τ. ἐντολήν (-άς), Mat.19:17, Jhn.14:15 15:10, 1Ti.6:14, 1Jn.2:3-4 Jn 3:22 Jn 3:24 Jn 5:3, Rev.12:17 14:12; τ. λόγον (-ους), Jhn.8:51-52, 55 14:23-24 15:20 17:6, 1Jn.2:5, Rev.3:8, 10 22:7, 9; τ. νόμον, Act.15:5, Jas.2:10; τ. παράδοσιν, Mrk.7:9; τ. ἔργα, Rev.2:26; τ. γεγραμμένα, Rev.1:3 (cf. δια-, παρα-, συν-τηρέω) SYN.: φυλάσσω, implying custody and protection: τ. expresses the idea of watchful care and "may mark the result of which φ. is the means" (Thayer see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 8:55; 1 Peter 1:4.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σεβαστου sebastos G4575 "Augustan" Adj-GSM

Augustan refers to the Roman Emperor or something related to the empire, like in Acts 25:21. It signifies a high level of respect and authority, similar to how the Roman Emperor was revered.

Definition: σεβαστός, -ή, -όν (σεβάζομαι) __1. reverend, august. __2. In late writers, with reference to the Roman Imperial name; __(a) ὁ Σ., Augustus, i.e. the Roman Emperor: Act.25:21, 25; __(b) Augustan: σπείρα σ., Act.27:1 (See further, Deiss., BS, 218.) † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Augustus(-') See also: Acts 25:21; Acts 25:25; Acts 27:1.

διαγνωσιν diagnōsis G1233 "decision" Noun-ASF

A decision or examination, like a medical diagnosis or a judge's ruling, as seen in Acts 25:21. It involves careful consideration.

Definition: διά-γνωσις, -εως, ἡ (διαγιγνώσκω), [in LXX: Wis.3:18 * ;] __1. a distinguishing, also as medical term. __2. As law-term (Lat. cognitio), determination, decision: Act.25:21 (Cremer, 674).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: hearing See also: Acts 25:21.

εκελευσα keleuō G2753 "to order" Verb-AAI-1S

To order means to give a command or instruction, like when Jesus told his disciples to do something in Matthew 14:19.

Definition: κελεύω [in LXX: I Est.9:53, Tob.8:18, al., and frequently in 1-4Mac ;] to urge on, bid by word of mouth, order, command (mostly of one in authority): with accusative and inf. aor., Mat.14:19, 28 18:25 27:64, Luk.18:40, Act.4:15 5:34 8:38 22:30 23:10 25:6, 17; with ellipse of accusative, Mat.8:18 14:9 27:58, Act.12:19 21:33; with accusative and inf. Pres., Act.21:34 22:24 23:3, 35 25:21 27:43; with ellipse of accusative, Act.16:22; ptcp. aor., Act.25:23.† SYN.: see: ἐντέλλω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: bid, (at, give) command(-ment) See also: Acts 4:15; Acts 25:17; Matthew 27:64.

τηρεισθαι tēreō G5083 "to keep: observe" Verb-PPN

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 8:55; 1 Peter 1:4.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

εως heōs G2193 "until" Adv

A Greek word for until, showing when something continues or ends. It is used in Matthew 2:9 and 5:18 to indicate a time or place. It helps show when events happen or stop.

Definition: ἕως, relative particle (Lat. donee, usque), expressing the terminus ad quem (cf. Burton, §321ff.). __I. As conjunction; __1. till, until; __(a) of a fact in past time, with indic.: Mat.2:9, al. (Wis.10:14, al.); __(b) ἕως ἄν, with subjc. aor.: Mat.2:13 5:18, Mrk.6:10, al.; without ἄν (M. Pr., 168f.; Lft., Notes, 115), Mrk.14:32 (Burton, §325), Luk.12:59, 2Th.2:7, al.; __(with) with indic., present (Burton, §328; BL, §65, 10): Mrk.6:45, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Ti.4:13. __2. C. indic., as long as, while (Burton, §327): Jhn.9:4 (Plat., Phaedo, 89c). __II. As an adverb (chiefly in late writers). __1. Of time, until, unto; __(a) as prep. with genitive (BL, §40, 6; M, Pr., 99): τ. ἡμέρας, Mat.26:29, Luk.1:80, Rom.11:8, al.; ὥρας, Mat.27:45, al.; τέλους, 1Co.1:8, 2Co.1:13; τ. νῦν, Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19 (1Ma.2:33); ἐτῶν ὀγ. (Field, Notes, 49f.), Luk.2:37; τ. ἐλθεῖν, Act.8:40; before names and events, Mat.1:17 2:15, Luk.11:51, Jas.5:7, al.; __(b) before οὗ, ὅτου, with the force of a conjc. (Burton, §330; M, Pr., 91); __(α) ἕ. οὗ (Hdt., ii, 143; Plut., al.): with indic., Mat.1:25 (WH br., οὗ) 13:33, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.14:22, al.; __(β) ἔ. ὅτου: with subjc., Luk.13:8; with indic., Mat.5:25 (until), Jhn.9:18; __(with) with adv. (ἔ. ὀψέ, Thuc, iii, 108): ἄρτι, Mat.11:12, Jhn.2:10, 1Co.4:13, al.; πότε (M, Pr., 107), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Jhn.10:24, al. __2. Of place, as far as, even to, unto (Arist., al.); __(a) as prep. with genitive (see supr.): Mt 1123, Lk 1015, al.; __(b) with adv. (BL, §40, 6): ἄνω, Jhn.2:7; ἔσω, Mrk.14:54; κάτω, Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38; ὧδε, Luk.23:5; __(with) with prep.: ἔξω, Act.21:5; πρός, Luk.24:50 (Field, Notes, 83). __3. Of quantity, measure, etc.: Mat.18:21, Mrk.6:23, Luk.22:51, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 137 NT verses. KJV: even (until, unto), (as) far (as), how long, (un-)til(-l), (hither-, un-, up) to, while(-s) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Luke 20:43; Hebrews 1:13.

ου hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-GSM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

πεμψω pempō G3992 "to send" Verb-AAS-1S

To send someone or something from one place to another, used in Matthew 22:7 to describe sending an invitation. It can also mean to dispatch someone on a mission or task.

Definition: πέμπω [in LXX chiefly for שָׁלַח ;] to send; __(a) of persons: with accusative, absol., Mat.22:7, Luk.7:19, Jhn.1:22, 2Co.9:3, al.; ptcp. before verb., Mat.14:10, Act.19:31, al.; ptcp. before διά (= Heb. יָד;, 1Ki.16:20, al.), Mat.11:2 (cf. Rev.1:1); of teachers sent by God, Jhn.1:33 4:34, Rom.8:3, al.; with accusative and dative, 1Co.4:17, Php.2:19; before πρός, with accusative, Luk.4:26, Jhn.16:7, al.; before λέγων (cf. Heb. אָמַר שָׁלַח Gen.38:25, al.), Luk.7:6, 19; before εἰς, with accusative loc., Mat.2:8, Luk.15:15, al.; before εἰς (of purpose), Eph.6:22, Col.4:8, 1Pe.2:14; with inf., Jhn.1:33, 1Co.16:3, Rev.22:16; __(b) of things : Rev.11:10; before εἰς, Rev.1:11; id., of purpose, Act.11:29, Php.4:16; with dative of person(s), 2Th.2:11; π. τ. δρέπανον σου (cf. εξαποστείλατε δρέπανα = מַגָּל שָׁלַח, Jol.3:13), Rev.14:15, 18 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐκ-, μετα-, προ-, συν-πέμπω) SYN.: ἀποστέλλω, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 79 NT verses. KJV: send, thrust in See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; John 8:29; 1 Peter 2:14.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

προς pros G4314 "to/with" Prep

A preposition showing direction or relationship, like towards or with something, as seen in Mark 5:11 and John 18:16. This means indicating movement or direction. It's about showing proximity or connection.

Definition: πρός, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative __I. I. C. genitive, of motion from a place, from the side of, hence metaphorically, in the interests of, Act.27:34 (cf. Page, in l.). __II. II. C. dative, of local proximity, hard by, near, at: Mrk.5:11, Luk.19:37, Jhn.18:16 20:11, 12 Rev.1:13. __III. C. accusative, of motion or direction towards a place or object, to, towards. __1. Of place, __(a) after verbs of motion or of speaking and other words with the idea of direction: ἔρχομαι, ἀναβαίνω, πορεύομαι, λέγω, ἐπιστολή, etc., Mat.3:14, Mrk.6:51, Luk.11:5, Jhn.2:3, Act.9:2, al. mult.; metaphorically, of mental direction, hostile or otherwise, Luk.23:12, Jhn.6:52, 2Co.7:4, Eph.6:12, Col.3:13, al.; of the issue or end, Luk.14:32, Jhn.11:4, al.; of purpose, Mat.26:12, Rom.3:26, 1Co.6:5, al.; πρὸς τό, with inf., denoting purpose (cf. M, Pr., 218, 220; Lft., Notes, 131), Mat.5:28, Mrk.13:22, Eph.6:11, 1Th.2:9, al.; __(b) of close proximity, at, by, with: Mat.3:10, Mrk.11:4, Luk.4:11, Act.3:2, al.; after εἶναι, Mat.13:56, Mrk.6:3, Jhn.1:1, al. __2. 2. Of time, __(a) towards (Plat., Xen., LXX: Gen.8:11, al.): Luk.24:29; __(b) for: πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; πρὸς ὥραν, Jhn.5:35, al.; πρὸς ὀλίγον, Jas.4:14. __3. Of relation __(a) toward, with: Rom.5:1, 2Co.1:12, Col.4:5, 1Th.4:12, al.; __(b) with regard to: Mat.19:8, Mrk.12:12, Rom.8:31, al.; __(with) pertaining to, to: Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; __(d) according to: Luk.12:47, 2Co.5:10, Gal.2:14, Eph.3:4 4:14; __(e) in comparison with: Rom.8:18. __IV. In composition: towards (προσέρχομαι), to (προσάγω), against (προσκόπτω), besides (προσδαπανάω) . (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 655 NT verses. KJV: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4.

καισαρα Kaisar G2541 "Caesar" Noun-ASM

Caesar was a title for the Roman emperor, used in the Bible to refer to the ruling power. It appears in Matthew 22:17, Luke 2:1, and Acts 25:8, showing the intersection of faith and politics.

Definition: Καῖσαρ, -αρος, ὁ Cæsar: Mat.22:17, Luk.2:1, Jhn.19:12, Act.25:8 ff., al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: Cæsar See also: Acts 11:28; Luke 2:1; Philippians 4:22.

Study Notes — Acts 25:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 25:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 25:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 25:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 25:21
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 25:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 25:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 25:21
Cambridge Bible on Acts 25:21
Barnes' Notes on Acts 25:21
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 25:21
Sermons on Acts 25:21

Context — Festus Consults Agrippa

19They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20Since I was at a loss as to how to investigate these matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges.

21But when Paul appealed to be held over for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” “Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus declared. 23The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Timothy 4:16	At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
2	Luke 2:1	Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
3	Acts 25:10–11	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!”
4	Acts 26:32–1	—

Acts 25:21 Summary

This verse means that Paul, as a Roman citizen, had the right to appeal to the Emperor for a fair trial, and Festus, the governor, had to follow the proper procedures for handling this appeal, as seen in Acts 25:21. This shows that, as Christians, we should be willing to stand up for our rights and trust in God's sovereignty, just as Paul did, as seen in Romans 8:28. We can also learn from Paul's example about perseverance and patience in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:17-18. By trusting in God and standing up for our faith, we can, like Paul, use our circumstances to share the Gospel with others, as seen in Acts 28:30-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Paul appeal to be held over for the decision of the Emperor?

Paul appealed to be held over for the decision of the Emperor because he knew that as a Roman citizen, he had the right to a fair trial, as stated in Acts 22:25-29, and he was willing to take his case to the highest authority, as seen in Acts 25:11.

What does it mean to be 'held over for the decision of the Emperor'?

To be 'held over for the decision of the Emperor' means that Paul's case would be sent to the Roman Emperor for a final verdict, rather than being tried locally, as noted in Acts 25:21, and this was a right afforded to Roman citizens, as mentioned in Acts 16:37-38 and Acts 22:25-29.

Why did Festus order that Paul be held until he could send him to Caesar?

Festus ordered that Paul be held until he could send him to Caesar because, as the governor, he had to follow the proper procedures for handling a Roman citizen's appeal to the Emperor, as seen in Acts 25:21, and this was in accordance with Roman law, as referenced in Acts 28:19.

What can we learn from Paul's example in this verse?

We can learn from Paul's example in this verse that, as Christians, we should be willing to stand up for our rights and trust in God's sovereignty, just as Paul did, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 1:12-14.

Reflection Questions

How can I, like Paul, trust in God's sovereignty even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28?
What are some ways that I can stand up for my faith and rights, just as Paul did in this verse?
How can I use my circumstances, whether good or bad, to share the Gospel with others, as Paul did in Acts 28:30-31?
What can I learn from Paul's example about perseverance and patience in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:17-18?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 25:21

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved,.... In custody at Caesarea: unto the hearing of Augustus; to have his cause heard, tried, and judged of, by the Roman Emperor Nero, here called Augustus;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 25:21

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 25:21

Augustus: the emperor who now reigned, and to whom Paul appealed, was Nero, who was called Augustus; this title being at first appropriated to Octavius, who succeeded Julius Caesar; but out of honour unto him, or because of its signification, it became an appellative, and was given unto all the emperors successively: nay, the emperor of Germany to this day is called Semper Augustus. Caesar; as from Octavius the emperors of Rome had the name of Augustus, so from the first emperor, Julius, they have the name of Caesars. This word Caesar, which was the proper name of the first emperor, is, in acknowledgment of him, made an appellative to all his successors.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 25:21

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Ver. 21. Send him to Caesar] That is, to Nero. But for memory of their two first emperors, Caesar and Augustus, all their successors bore these two names. Many other swelling titles they had; but all or most of them, till Constantine, died unnatural deaths, and got nothing by their adoption or designation, nisi ut citius interficerentur, but to be sent out of the world the sooner.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 25:21

(21) Unto the hearing of Augustus.—The title is the Greek equivalent, as seen in the name Sebaste (= Augusta) given to Samaria, for the epithet which, like our “his majesty,” had become a kind of official title of the Roman emperor. It had first been given by the Senate to Octavianus (Sueton. Aug. c. 7), and was adopted by his successors. As connected with “augur, it had originally, like Sebastos, a religious connotation. The month of August, dedicated to the first emperor as July had been dedicated to Julius, and the names of Augsburg and Sebastopol, arc interesting as perpetuating its memory. The word for “hearing” (the same as our medical term diagnosis) corresponds rather to our thorough investigation.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 25:21

Verse 21. Unto the hearing of Augustus] ΕιςτηντουΣεβαϚουδιαγνωσιν; To the discrimination of the emperor. For, although σεβαστος is usually translated Augustus, and the Roman emperors generally assumed this epithet, which signifies no more than the venerable, the august, get here it seems to be used merely to express the emperor, without any reference to any of his attributes or titles.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 25:21

21. to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus] Rev. Ver. “to be kept for the decision of the Emperor.” The verb is that which occurs Acts 24:23 where the centurion was commanded to “keep” Paul. He desired to be under the care of the Roman authorities until his case could be properly heard. “Augustus,” the title given first to Octavianus, was afterwards conferred on his successors, and so came to mean “His Imperial Majesty,” whoever might be on the throne. The present “Augustus” was Nero. In the noun rendered “hearing” we have a word which implies “thorough inquiry.”

Barnes' Notes on Acts 25:21

But when he had appealed - Acts 25:11. To be reserved - To be kept; not to be tried at Jerusalem, but to be sent to Rome for trial. Unto the hearing - Margin, “the judgment.” That Augustus might hear and decide the cause.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 25:21

21. Augustus—When the nephew of Julius Cesar, Octavianus became emperor the Senate decreed to him the title of Augustus, the august or worshipful; much like the more modern phrase his majesty.

Sermons on Acts 25:21

	Sermon	Description
	(Hebrews) 1-Overview-2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the feeling of God's hiddenness and the darkness that comes when God withdraws his favor. He emphasizes the need for God's truth to set us fr
	Importance of Right Spiritual Climate by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being captive to various things in life. He shares a personal story about feeling captive to the responsibility of raising his
	Whatever Happened to Joy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various forms of sadness and tragedy that people experience in life, such as illness, death, and uncertainty. However, the speaker emphasi
	(Depressed Disciples) Loneliness by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, Pastor Mullen discusses the theme of being alone in different situations. He starts by mentioning how the Lord did a good job for him and Pastor Mullen. He then tal
	Error Is Pervasive, Subtle, and Damning by Tom Chantry	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians promoting a Roman Catholic movie as a witnessing opportunity. He warns against the movie's intent to elevate Mary to t
	One Thing I Desire by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher starts by acknowledging his attempts to help others but is confronted with the realization that he was given resources to keep life turning and protect
	When Someone Lets You Down by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own experience of being deserted by his friends during a trial. He acknowledges that people can forsake you in difficult times, even tho