Acts 20:37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Original Language Analysis
ἱκανὸς
sore
G2425
ἱκανὸς
sore
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
1 of 14
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
ἐγένετο
G1096
ἐγένετο
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιπεσόντες
fell
G1968
ἐπιπεσόντες
fell
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
7 of 14
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλου
Paul's
G3972
Παύλου
Paul's
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
12 of 14
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
Cross References
Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Luke 15:20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.2 Timothy 1:4Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Historical Context
These expressions of affection show the bonds formed through three years of ministry. The emotional intensity reflects genuine relationships, not mere professional connections.
Questions for Reflection
- What do these emotional expressions reveal about Paul's pastoral relationships?
- How should depth of relationship mark Christian community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'They all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him.' Deep emotional expression marked this farewell. Mediterranean culture allowed public emotional display. The combination of weeping, embracing, and kissing expressed profound love.