Acts 16:33
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραλαβὼν
he took
G3880
παραλαβὼν
he took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
2 of 21
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
ἐκείνῃ
the same
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
the same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλουσεν
and washed
G3068
ἔλουσεν
and washed
Strong's:
G3068
Word #:
10 of 21
to bathe (the whole person; whereas g3538 means to wet a part only, and g4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively)
ἀπὸ
their stripes
G575
ἀπὸ
their stripes
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πληγῶν
G4127
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐβαπτίσθη
was baptized
G907
ἐβαπτίσθη
was baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
15 of 21
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 21
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 #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Acts 16:25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Historical Context
Roman jailers faced execution if prisoners escaped, explaining his suicide attempt when he thought they had fled. Paul's miracle - remaining despite the earthquake opening doors - convinced him of divine power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel's power to transform in an instant challenge modern emphasis on gradual spiritual development?
- What does the jailer's immediate care for Paul's wounds teach about faith producing compassion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Philippian jailer's nighttime conversion and baptism - 'the same hour of the night' - shows urgency in responding to the gospel. His transformation from suicidal despair to joy-filled faith demonstrates the gospel's power to utterly change a person instantly. Washing Paul's wounds before being baptized himself shows how receiving grace produces immediate compassion toward others.