Acts 21:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Agabus takes Paul's belt, binds his own hands and feet with it, and declares that its owner will be bound in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.
What Does Acts 21:11 Mean?
Agabus performs an acted prophecy in the manner of the older prophets: he takes Paul's belt and ties his own hands and feet, then announces in the words of the Holy Ghost that the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the belt's owner and deliver him to the Gentiles. The drama makes the warning unmistakable.
The pattern echoes the Lord Jesus, who was also bound by His own people and handed over to Gentile authority. Paul is being told plainly that the road of discipleship may run alongside the road his Master walked. The Spirit speaks not to frighten Paul out of obedience but to steady him for it.
Acts 21:11 in the Original Language
tade legei (τάδε λέγει), 'thus saith' -- the solemn prophetic formula, 'these things says,' marking words as the Lord's own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 21:11
What does Acts 21:11 mean?
Agabus takes Paul's belt, binds his own hands and feet with it, and declares that its owner will be bound in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.