Acts 20:29
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ,
For
G1063
γὰρ,
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἶδα
know
G1492
οἶδα
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φειδόμενοι
sparing
G5339
φειδόμενοι
sparing
Strong's:
G5339
Word #:
16 of 18
to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently
Cross References
Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.John 10:12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.Luke 10:3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Historical Context
Paul's warning proved accurate - his epistles and later church history document the false teaching that threatened Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do false teachers often emerge after founding leaders depart?
- How should churches guard against 'wolves' in pastoral clothing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.' False teachers would emerge after apostolic departure. 'Wolves' and 'flock' use shepherd imagery for destructive leaders attacking God's people.