Acts 9:1

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Acts 9:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest

King James Version KJV

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

American Standard Version ASV

But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Bible in Basic English BBE

But Saul, still burning with desire to put to death the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

Free Bible Version FBV

But meanwhile Saul was making violent threats against the disciples of the Lord, wanting to kill them. He went to the high priest

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Saul yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of ye Lord, went vnto the hie Priest,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Saul, yet breathing of threatening and slaughter to the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the chief priest,

World English Bible WEB

But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

Translation for Translators T4T

Meanwhile, Saul angrily continued to say, “I will kill those who believe that Jesus is the Lord!” He went to the supreme priest in Jerusalem

Plain English Version PEV

At that time, Saul was still making trouble for Jesus’s followers. He was telling them, “I’m going to hurt you and kill you.” He went to the big boss of the Jewish ceremonies and said, “I want to go to the city called Damascus and grab the followers of Jesus there. Will you write letters for me to take to the people in the Jewish meeting houses there? Tell them that you want me to grab anyone that belongs to that mob called the Jesus Way mob. I will grab those men and women, and tie them up, and I will bring them back to Jerusalem for you to punish them.” So that big boss wrote letters like that, and he gave them to Saul to take to Damascus.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 9:1

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 9:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο δε σαυλος ετι εμπνεων απειλης και φονου εις τους μαθητας του κυριου προσελθων τω αρχιερει

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

σαυλος Saulos G4569 Saul Noun-NSM

ετι eti G2089 still Adv

εμπνεων empneō G1709 to breath into Verb-PAP-NSM

απειλης apeilē G547 threat Noun-GSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

φονου phonos G5408 murder Noun-GSM

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

μαθητας mathētēs G3101 disciple Noun-APM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

κυριου kurios G2962 lord: God Noun-GSM

προσελθων proserchomai G4334 to come near/agree Verb-2AAP-NSM

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM

αρχιερει archiereus G749 high-priest Noun-DSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 9:1

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

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.

σαυλος Saulos G4569 "Saul" Noun-NSM

Saul is the Jewish name of the Apostle Paul, used in Acts 7-13. It's the name he was born with before becoming Paul. Saul is used to refer to him before his conversion to Christianity.

Definition: Σαῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Hellenized form of Σαούλ, which see), Saul, the Jewish name of the Apostle Paul: Act.7:58 8:1, 3 9:1, 8 9:11, 22 9:24 11:25, 30 12:25 13:1-2, 7 13:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: Saul See also: Acts 7:58; Acts 9:24; Acts 13:9.

ετι eti G2089 "still" Adv

Still means something is ongoing or continues to happen, as seen in Mark 5:35 and 1 Corinthians 3:3. It can also mean yet or even, showing something is happening at the present time or will happen in the future.

Definition: ἔτι adv., yet, as yet, still; __1. of time; __(a) of the present (adhuc): Mrk.5:35, 1Co.3:3 15:17, Gal.1:10, al.; __(b) of the past, mostly with impf.: Mat.12:46, Luk.8:49 15:20, Jhn.20:1, Act.9:1, Rom.5:6, 8, 2Th.2:5, Heb.7:10 9:8, al.; __(with) of the future: Luk.1:15, 2Co.1:10; __(d) with a neg.: Mat.5:13, Luk.16:2 20:36, Heb.10:2, Rev.3:12 20:3, al. __2. Of degree, even, yet, still, further: with compar., Php.1:9, Heb.7:15; of what remains, Mrk.12:6, Jhn.4:35 7:33, al.; of what is added, Mat.18:16 26:65, Heb.11:32 12:26-27; of continuance apart from the idea of time, Rom.3:7 6:2 9:19, Gal.5:11; ἔτι δἐ, Act.2:26 (LXX), Heb.11:36; ἔτι τε καί, Luk.14:26, Act.21:28 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 82 NT verses. KJV: after that, also, ever, (any) further, (t-)henceforth (more), hereafter, (any) longer, (any) more(-one), now, still, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Luke 18:22; Hebrews 7:10.

εμπνεων empneō G1709 "to breath into" Verb-PAP-NSM

To breathe into something or someone, giving them life or energy, as in Acts 9:1 where Saul breathes threats against the disciples. It's about inspiring or animating something with breath or life.

Definition: ἐν-πνέω, -ῶ (Rec. ἐμπ-, see: ἐν) [in LXX: Deu.20:16, Jos.10:28 ff. Jos.11:11, 14 (ptcp. neut., for נֶפֶשׁ, נְשָׁמָה), Wis.15:11 * ;] __1. to breathe on. __2. to breathe; __(a) absol.; __(b) with genitive part.: figuratively, ἀπειλῆς κ. φόνου, Act.9:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: breathe See also: Acts 9:1.

απειλης apeilē G547 "threat" Noun-GSF

A threat is a warning or menace, used to intimidate or frighten someone, as seen in Acts 4:29 and Ephesians 6:9. It is a statement that implies punishment or harm if a certain action is taken. Threats were used to assert authority and control.

Definition: ἀπειλή, -ῆ, ἡ [in LXX for גְּעָרָה, etc. ;] threatening, threat: Act.4:29 9:1, Eph.6:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: X straitly, threatening See also: Acts 4:17; Acts 9:1; Ephesians 6:9.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

φονου phonos G5408 "murder" Noun-GSM

Murder refers to the act of intentionally killing someone, as seen in Mark 15:7 and Romans 1:29. It is considered a serious sin and crime in the Bible.

Definition: φόνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX for דָּם, פֶּה, etc. ;] murder, slaughter: Mrk.15:7, Luk.23:19, 25, Act.9:1, Rom.1:29; φ. μαχαίρης (cf. Exo.17:13, al.), Heb.11:37; pl., Mat.15:19, Mrk.7:21, Rev.9:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: murder, + be slain with, slaughter See also: Acts 9:1; Mark 7:21; Hebrews 11:37.

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.

τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM

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.

μαθητας mathētēs G3101 "disciple" Noun-APM

A disciple is a learner or pupil, like the twelve who followed Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 10:1 and Luke 8:9. This word is used to describe someone who follows a teacher or leader. It is often used in the context of Jesus' teachings.

Definition: μαθητής, -οῦ, ὁ (μανθάνω), [in LXX only as seel. (A) in Jer.13:21 20:11 26(46):9 * ;] a disciple: opposite to διδάσκαλος, Mat.10:24, Luk.6:40; Ἰωάννου, Mat.9:14, Luk.7:18, Jhn.3:25; τ. Φαρισσίων, Mat.22:16, Mrk.2:18, Luk.5:33; Μωυσέως, Jhn.9:28; Ἰησοῦ, Luk.6:17 7:11 19:37, Jhn.6:66 7:3 19:38; esp. the twelve, Mat.10:1 11:1, Mrk.7:17, Luk.8:9, Jo 2:2, al.; later, of Christians generally, Act.6:1, 2 7 9:19, al.; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 252 NT verses. KJV: disciple See also: Acts 1:15; John 21:23; Matthew 13:10.

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.

κυριου kurios G2962 "lord: God" Noun-GSM

The Greek word for lord or master, used to address God or a person in authority, showing respect and power. In the New Testament, it appears in Matthew 9:38 and Mark 12:9. It signifies a controller or ruler.

Definition: κύριος, -α, -ον (also -ος, -ον), [in LXX (subst.) chiefly for יהוה, also for בַּעַל ,אָדוֹן, etc. ;] having power (κῦρος) or authority; as subst., ὁ κ., lord, master; __1. in general: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.9:38 20:8, Mrk.12:9 13:35, Luk.19:33; τ. σαββάτου, Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:28, Luk.6:5; with genitive of person(s), δούλου, etc., Mat.10:24, Luk.14:21, Act.16:16, al.; absol, opposite to οἱ δοῦλοι, Eph.6:5, 9 al.; of the Emperor (Deiss., LAE, 161), Act.25:26; θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κ. πολλοί, 1Co.8:5; of a husband, 1Pe.3:6; in voc, as a title of respect to masters, teachers, magistrates, etc., Mat.13:27 16:22 27:63, Mrk.7:28, Luk.5:12, Jhn.4:11, Act.9:5, al. __2. As a divine title (frequently in π.; Deiss., LAE, 353 ff.); in NT, __(a) of God: ὁ κ., Mat.5:33, Mrk.5:19, Luk.1:6, Act.7:33, Heb.8:2, Jas.4:15, al.; anarth. (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.21:9, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:17, Heb.7:21, 1Pe.1:25, al.; κ. τ. οὐρανοῦ καὶ τ. γῆς, Mat.11:25; τ. κυριευόντων, 1Ti.6:15; κ. ὁ θεός, Mat.4:7, 10 al.; id. before παντοκράτωρ, Rev.4:8; κ. σαβαώθ, Rom.9:29; (ὁ) ἄγγελος κυρίου, Mat.1:20 2:13, Luk.1:11, al.; πνεῦμα κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.8:39; __(b) of the Christ: Mat.21:3, Mrk.11:3, Luk.1:43 20:44, al.; of Jesus after his resurrection (Dalman, Words, 330), Act.10:36, Rom.14:8, 1Co.7:22, Eph.4:5, al.; ὁ κ. μου, Jhn.20:28; ὁ κ. Ἰησοῦς, Act.1:21, 1Co.11:23, al.; id. before Χριστός, Eph.1:2, al.; ὁ κ. ἡμῶν, 1Ti.1:14, Heb.7:14, al.; id. before Ἰησοῦς, 1Th.3:11, Heb.13:20, al.; Χριστός, Rom.16:18; Ἰ Χ., 1Co.1:2, 1Th.1:3, al.; Ἰ. Χ. (Χ. Ἰ) ὁ κ. (ἡμῶν), Rom.1:4, Col.2:6, Eph.3:11, al.; ὁ κ. καὶ ὁ σωτὴρ, 2Pe.3:2; id. before Ἰ. Χ., ib. 18; anarth., 1Co.7:22, 25 Jas.5:4, al.; κ. κυρίων, Rev.19:16; with prep., ἀπὸ (κατὰ, πρὸς, σὺν, etc.) κ., Col.3:24, al. SYN: see: δεσπότης. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 686 NT verses. KJV: God, Lord, master, Sir See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3.

προσελθων proserchomai G4334 "to come near/agree" Verb-2AAP-NSM

To approach or come near, like when people visited Jesus in Matthew 4:11 and Luke 9:42, or when we draw near to God in Hebrews 12:18 and 22

Definition: προσ-έρχομαι [in LXX for קָרַב, נָגַשׁ, etc. ;] to approach, draw near: absol., Mat.4:11, Luk.9:42, al.; with infin., Mat.24:1, al.; with dative loc., Heb.12:18, 22; dative of person(s), Mat.5:1, and freq., Jhn.12:21, al.; ptcp., προσελθών, with indic., Mat.8:2, and freq., Mrk.1:31, Luk.7:14, al.; π. αὐτῷ, with indic., Mat.4:3, Mrk.6:35, Metaphorical, __(a) of approaching God: absol. (Lev.21:17, Deu.21:5, al.), Heb.10:1, 22; τ. θεῷ, Heb.7:25 11:6; τ. θρόνῳ τ. χάριτος, Heb.4:16; πρὸς Χριστόν, 1Pe.2:4; __(b) in sense not found elsewhere (Field, Notes, 211), to consent to: ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις, 1Ti.6:3 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: (as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto) See also: 1 Peter 2:4; Matthew 9:14; Hebrews 4:16.

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM

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.

αρχιερει archiereus G749 "high-priest" Noun-DSM

The high-priest was a top Jewish leader, and Jesus is also called the high-priest in Hebrews 2:17 and 3:1. This term refers to the main priest in the Jewish temple. In the Bible, it is used in Mark 2:26 and 14:47.

Definition: ἀρχιερεύς, -έως, ὁ, [in LXX for כּ'' הָרֹאשׁ,כּ'' הַגָּדוֹל ,כּהֵן ;] __1. high-priest: Mrk.2:26 14:47, al.; of Christ: Heb.2:17 3:1, al. __2. In pl., chief priests, including ex-high-priests and members of high-priestly families: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:31, al. (Cremer, 294; DCG, i, 297f.; MM, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 119 NT verses. KJV: chief (high) priest, chief of the priests See also: Acts 4:6; Luke 3:2; Hebrews 2:17.

Study Notes — Acts 9:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 9:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 9:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 9:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 9:1
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 9:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 9:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 9:1
Cambridge Bible on Acts 9:1
Barnes' Notes on Acts 9:1
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 9:1
Sermons on Acts 9:1

Context — The Road to Damascus

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest

2and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 8:3	But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
2	1 Timothy 1:13	I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
3	Galatians 1:13	For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
4	Acts 9:11–21	“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And now he is here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.” All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
5	1 Corinthians 15:9	For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
6	Acts 22:3–5	“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as any of you here today. I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.
7	Acts 7:58	They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
8	Acts 26:9–11	So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
9	Philippians 3:6	as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.
10	Psalms 27:12	Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

Acts 9:1 Summary

[This verse describes Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul, as someone who was deeply opposed to the early Christian church, and was actively seeking to harm its members. In Acts 9:1, we see that he was 'breathing out murderous threats' against the disciples of the Lord, demonstrating the depth of his opposition. However, as we see in subsequent verses, such as Acts 9:3-31, God had other plans for Saul, and his life was dramatically transformed by an encounter with Jesus. This serves as a reminder that, no matter how far we may have strayed from God, He is always willing to redeem and transform us, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'breathing out murderous threats'?

This phrase indicates Saul's intense anger and hatred towards the disciples of the Lord, similar to the Psalmist's description of the wicked in Psalm 27:12, where they 'breathe out violence'

Why did Saul approach the high priest?

Saul approached the high priest to request letters of authority, which would allow him to persecute the disciples of the Lord in Damascus, as seen in Acts 9:1-2, demonstrating his zeal for the Jewish faith, though misguided

What is the significance of Saul being described as 'still breathing out murderous threats'?

This phrase emphasizes Saul's ongoing and unrelenting persecution of the disciples, highlighting the depth of his opposition to the early Christian church, as also seen in Acts 8:3, where he is described as 'ravaging the church'

How does this verse relate to Saul's overall character?

This verse showcases Saul's intense passion, though misdirected, which would later be transformed by his encounter with Jesus, as seen in Acts 9:3-31, and his subsequent ministry as the Apostle Paul, demonstrating the power of God's redemption, as in Romans 5:8

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'breathing out murderous threats' towards others, whether through my words or actions, and how can I surrender these to God?
How can I, like Saul, be so passionate about my faith, yet also be open to the possibility that my understanding may be misguided, and be willing to adjust my perspective as God reveals truth to me?
What are some ways I can practically demonstrate love and kindness towards those who may be opposed to my faith, as a reflection of God's love and character, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even in situations where it seems like evil is prevailing, knowing that He is always working to bring about good, as in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 9:1

And Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter,.... The historian having given an account of the dispersion of all the preachers of the Gospel at Jerusalem, excepting the apostles, and of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 9:1

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Conversion of Saul (9:1-9) And Saul, yet breathing out , [ empneoon (G1709),

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 9:1

ACTS CHAPTER 9 Saul, going towards Damascus, is encompassed with a light from heaven, falleth to the earth, is called by Christ, and led blind to Damascus. Ananias is sent to him, by whom he is restored to sight, and baptized: he straightway preacheth Christ boldly. The Jews of Damascus seek to kill him. He goeth to Jerusalem, and is brought to the apostles by Barnabas: preaching boldly against the Grecians, he is again in danger of his life, and is sent to Tarsus. The church hath rest, and is multiplied, Peter cureth Eueas of the palsy at Lydda, and raiseth Tabitha to life at Joppa. St. Luke intending a narrative of the wonderful conversion of St. Paul, lets us know what manner of person he was before his conversion, that none might despond of the grace of God, who earnestly and heartily seek it. Breathing out threatenings and slaughter; so full of rage within, that the stream was outwardly apparent, which that inward fire had sent forth: nothing less than destruction of the church is aimed at by its enemies; whilst Saul was one of them he hunted after their precious life too. The high priest; who did usually preside in their great council, in which they took cognizance of such matters; The blood of Stephen did not quench their thirst, but increased it; they would spill more still.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 9:1

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Ver. 1. And Saul yet breathing] As a tired wolf, that wearied with worrying the flock, lies panting for breath.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 9:1

IX. (1) Yet breathing out threatenings.—The “yet” implies a considerable interval since the death of Stephen, probably coinciding with the time occupied by the mission-work of Philip in the previous chapter. During this interval the persecution had probably been continuing. The Greek participle, literally, breathing-in, is somewhat more emphatic than the English. He lived, as it were, in an atmosphere of threats and slaughter. It was the very air he breathed. Patristic writers and their followers have not unnaturally seen a half-prophetic parallelism between the language of Jacob, “Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil” (Genesis 49:27), and this description of one who gloried in being of that tribe (Philippians 3:5), and bore the name of its great hero-king. Went unto the high priest.—It will be remembered that the high priest (whether we suppose Annas or Caiaphas to be meant) was a Sadducee, and that Saul gloried in being a Pharisee of the straitest sect (Acts 26:5). The temper of the persecutor, however, does not shrink from strange companionship, and the coalition which had been formed against our Lord (Matthew 26:3) was renewed against His followers. If, as is probable, the admission of the Samaritans to the new community had become known at Jerusalem, it would naturally tend to intensify their hatred. It would seem to them as if the accursed people were now allied with the Galileans against the Holy Place, and those who were zealous for its honour.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 9:1

CHAPTER IX. Saul, bent on the destruction of the Christians, obtains letters from the high priest, authorizing him to seize those whom he should find at Damascus, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, 1, 2. On his way to Damascus, he has a Divine vision, is convinced of his sin and folly, is struck blind, and remains three days without sight, and neither eats nor drinks, 3-9. Ananias, a disciple, is commanded in a vision to go and speak to Saul, and restore his sight, 10-16. Ananias goes and lays his hands on him, and he receives his sight, and is baptized, 17-19. Saul, having spent a few days with the Christians at Damascus, goes to the synagogues, proclaims Christ, and confounds the Jews, 20-22. The Jews lay wait to kill him, but the disciples let him down over the walls of the city in a basket, by night, and he escapes to Jerusalem, 23-25. Having wished to associate with the disciples there, they avoid him; but Barnabas takes and brings him to the apostles, and declares his conversion, 26, 27. He continues in Jerusalem preaching Christ, and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews, who endeavour to slay him; but the disciples take him to Caesarea, and send him thence to his own city Tarsus, 28-30. About this time, the Churches, being freed from persecution, are edified and multiplied, 31. Peter heals Eneas at Lydda, who had been afflicted with the palsy eight years: in consequence of which miracle, all the people of Lydda and Saron are converted, 32-35. Account of the sickness and death of a Christian woman named Tabitha, who dwelt at Joppa; and her miraculous restoration to life by the ministry of Peter, 36-41. Gracious effects produced among the inhabitants of Lydda by this miracle, 42, 43. NOTES ON CHAP. IX. Verse 1. Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter] The original text is very emphatic, ετιεμπνεωναπειληςκαιφονου, and points out how determinate Saul was to pursue and accomplish his fell purpose of totally destroying the infant Church of Christ. The mode of speech introduced above is very frequent in the Greek writers, who often express any vehement and hostile affection of the mind by the verb πνεειν, to breathe, to pant; so Theocritus, Idyll. xxii. ver. 82: Εςμεσσονσυναγον, φονοναλλαλοισιπνεοντες. They came into the assembly, breathing mutual slaughter. Euripides has the same form, πυρπνεουσακαιφονον, breathing out fire, and slaughter, Iphig. in Taur. And Aristophanes more fully, referring to all the preparations for war:- Αλλαπνεονταςδορυκαιλογχαςκαιλευκολοφουςτρυφαλειας, Καιπηληκας, καικνημιδας, καιθυμουςἑπταβοειους. They breathed spears, and pikes, and helmets, and crests, and greaves, and the fury of redoubted heroes. The figure is a favourite one with Homer: hence μενεαπνειοντεςαβαντες, the Abantes breathing strength.-Il. ii. 536. And how frequently he speaks of his fierce countrymen as, μενεαπνειοντεςαχαιοι, the Greeks breathing strength, see Il. iii. 8; xi. 508; xxiv. 364, which phrase an old Scholiast interprets, being filled with strength and fury. St.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 9:1

Acts 9:1-9. Saul’s mission to Damascus and his Conversion1. And [But] Saul, yet breathing out threatenings [threatening] It is better to translate the conjunction adversatively here, as the new subject is not connected except with the first sentence of chap. 8. The verb in this clause should be rendered “breathing,” not “breathing out.” Threatening and slaughter was, as it were, the atmosphere in which Saul was living.and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord] We are not told of any other death, but Stephen’s, in which Saul was a participator, but we can gather from his own words (Acts 26:10) “when they were put to death, I gave my voice [vote] against them,” that the protomartyr was not the only one who was killed in the time of this persecution. It has been suggested that the zeal which Saul shewed at the time of Stephen’s death led to his election into the Sanhedrin, and so he took a judicial part in the later stages of the persecution, and, it may be, from a desire to justify the choice of those who had placed him in authority, he sought to be appointed over the enquiry after the Christians in Damascus. We gather from Acts 26:10 that before this inquisitorial journey he had been armed with the authority of the chief priests in his search after the Christians in Jerusalem.went unto the high priest] who would most likely be the authority through whom the power, which the Great Sanhedrin claimed to exercise, in religious matters, over Jews in foreign cities, would be put in motion.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 9:1

And Saul - See the notes on Acts 7:58; Acts 8:3. He had been engaged be fore in persecuting the Christians, but he now sought opportunity to gratify his insatiable desire on a larger scale.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 9:1

II. THE NEW APOSTLE OF THE CALLED, Acts 9:1-30.1. Saul’s Journey to Damascus—Conversion, Acts 9:1-9.1.

Sermons on Acts 9:1

	Sermon	Description
	Book of Acts - Short Overview by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of fervent prayer and bold proclamation of the Word of God in the face of opposition. The story of Peter and John being threat
	(Christ) the Incomparable Christ by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the incomparable Christ and having a Christ-centered theology. He shares his personal journey of humbling and
	(John - Part 28): The Basis of True Conversion by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that God is constantly watching for the devil's next move and trying to block him. He argues that this belief leads to a la
	Art's Testimony - Part 4 by Art Katz	This sermon recounts a personal journey of encountering the New Testament, initially rejected but later embraced, leading to a profound revelation of divine wisdom and the recognit
	The Making of an Apostle by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to God from the depths of our being rather than living superficially. He warns against receiving messages from m
	Walking in the Light by Corrie Ten Boom	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for the blood of Jesus and instead accepting the truth of forgiveness through Him. The speaker encourage
	Saints Alive by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three basic wars that every human being faces: the war within oneself, the war with others, and the war with God. The speaker references J