Acts 17:23
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναθεωρῶν
beheld
G333
ἀναθεωρῶν
beheld
Strong's:
G333
Word #:
4 of 23
to look again (i.e., attentively) at (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σεβάσματα
devotions
G4574
σεβάσματα
devotions
Strong's:
G4574
Word #:
6 of 23
something adored, i.e., an object of worship (god, altar, etc)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃν
Whom
G3739
ὃν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θεῷ
GOD
G2316
θεῷ
GOD
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὃν
Whom
G3739
ὃν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
17 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀγνοοῦντες
ye ignorantly
G50
ἀγνοοῦντες
ye ignorantly
Strong's:
G50
Word #:
18 of 23
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
εὐσεβεῖτε
worship
G2151
εὐσεβεῖτε
worship
Strong's:
G2151
Word #:
19 of 23
to be pious, i.e., (towards god) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support)
Cross References
John 4:22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.John 17:25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;1 Corinthians 8:5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)Matthew 15:9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.John 8:54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
Historical Context
Paul spoke at the Areopagus (c. AD 50-51), Athens's supreme court and philosophical forum, during his second missionary journey. The city boasted more idols than people (Petronius). Stoic and Epicurean philosophers (v. 18) dominated intellectual life. Such 'unknown god' altars likely originated from a plague relief legend where Epimenides erected altars to unnamed deities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's approach to Athenian culture balance cultural engagement with theological confrontation?
- Where do you see modern 'altars to unknown gods'—spiritual hunger seeking the true God without revelation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Paul's Mars Hill address (Areopagus sermon) reaches its pivotal moment. The Greek sebasmata (σεβάσματα, devotions/objects of worship) reveals Athens's religious syncretism—altars to every conceivable deity, including one marked agnōstō theō (ἀγνώστῳ θεῷ, 'to an unknown god'). Historical sources (Pausanias, Philostratus) confirm such altars existed to appease any overlooked deity.
Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Paul's rhetorical masterstroke: agnoountes (ἀγνοοῦντες, ignorantly/unknowingly) wordplays with agnōstō (unknown). Their acknowledged ignorance becomes the gospel's entry point—the God they grope for in darkness is the Creator who reveals Himself. This models contextualized evangelism: finding redemptive analogies in pagan culture without compromising biblical truth.