Acts 13:11
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 29
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
χεὶρ
the hand
G5495
χεὶρ
the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 29
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 29
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐπ'
is upon
G1909
ἐπ'
is upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 29
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τυφλὸς
blind
G5185
τυφλὸς
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
11 of 29
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 29
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπέπεσεν
there fell
G1968
ἐπέπεσεν
there fell
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
20 of 29
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
ἐπ'
is upon
G1909
ἐπ'
is upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
21 of 29
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκότος
a darkness
G4655
σκότος
a darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
25 of 29
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιάγων
he went about
G4013
περιάγων
he went about
Strong's:
G4013
Word #:
27 of 29
to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around
Cross References
Psalms 32:4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.Exodus 9:3Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.Hebrews 10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.Job 19:21Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.John 9:39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.1 Samuel 5:11So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.
Historical Context
This miracle circa AD 47-48 on Cyprus was Paul's first recorded miracle. The judgment's resemblance to Paul's own blinding shows God's redemptive purpose even in judgment - Elymas's blindness might lead to spiritual sight as Paul's had. The proconsul's faith (v.12) resulted from seeing God's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment sometimes mirror His redemptive purposes?
- Why did God authenticate apostolic ministry through miraculous signs?
- What does temporary rather than permanent judgment teach about God's mercy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul pronounced judgment: 'the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.' This miraculous judgment paralleled Paul's Damascus road blinding - divine irony using the same judgment Paul experienced. The temporary nature ('for a season') suggests mercy - opportunity for repentance. The phrase 'hand of the Lord' indicates divine agency in judgment. Reformed theology affirms God's prerogative to judge opposers of His gospel through miraculous signs when He wills. The immediate fulfillment authenticated Paul's apostolic authority.