Acts 16:23
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
Original Language Analysis
πολλάς
many
G4183
πολλάς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐπιθέντες
when they had laid
G2007
ἐπιθέντες
when they had laid
Strong's:
G2007
Word #:
3 of 14
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 14
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
πληγὰς
stripes
G4127
πληγὰς
stripes
Strong's:
G4127
Word #:
5 of 14
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
ἔβαλον
they cast
G906
ἔβαλον
they cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
6 of 14
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
them into
G1519
εἰς
them into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φυλακήν
prison
G5438
φυλακήν
prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
8 of 14
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
παραγγείλαντες
charging
G3853
παραγγείλαντες
charging
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
9 of 14
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.2 Timothy 2:9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Historical Context
Roman scourging (verberatio) involved leather whips embedded with metal or bone. Paul later referenced this beating (2 Cor. 11:25, 1 Thess. 2:2). The severity indicates how seriously authorities took the charges.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond to severe, unjust suffering?
- What comfort comes from knowing Christ's servants have always faced persecution?
- How does suffering for righteousness differ from suffering for wrongdoing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'When they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely.' Severe beating followed by maximum security imprisonment shows the perceived threat Paul posed. The jailor's charge 'to keep them safely' made him liable for their escape, ensuring harsh treatment.