Acts 20:22
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
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 17
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
δεδεμένος
bound
G1210
δεδεμένος
bound
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
5 of 17
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι
in the spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
πορεύομαι
go
G4198
πορεύομαι
go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
8 of 17
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
10 of 17
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῇ
G846
αὐτῇ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
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
συναντήσοντά
the things that shall befall
G4876
συναντήσοντά
the things that shall befall
Strong's:
G4876
Word #:
14 of 17
to meet with; figuratively, to occur
Cross References
James 4:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.2 Peter 1:14Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.2 Corinthians 5:14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
Historical Context
The Spirit's constraint (whether human spirit or Holy Spirit) drove Paul toward Jerusalem despite danger warnings. He obeyed the call without knowing all implications.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you obey divine direction when outcomes remain uncertain?
- What does 'bound in spirit' teach about Spirit-led compulsion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem' - divine compulsion directed Paul's journey. 'Not knowing the things that shall befall me there' combined certainty of calling with uncertainty of details. Obedience doesn't require complete knowledge.