What Does Acts 23:19 Mean in the King James?

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

Acts 23:19 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

THE KEY

The scene makes authority a private listener: a hand guides the speaker aside, and a question makes room for his message.

THE MEANING

The chief captain takes him by the hand, goes aside with him, and asks what he has to tell him. His message is given a private place to arrive.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The belief that only public speech carries weight loosens here: the captain asks for the message in private.

THE ROOT

ἀναγγεῖλαί

anangeilai

GROWS FROM

ἀγγελ-

angel-

To announce or carry a message.

The verb behind “tell” can mean to announce or report: the words arrive as a message for someone to receive. Its word-family includes the messenger, so the question frames this private exchange as a place where a message can be delivered.

ALSO GROWS

angelos: Messenger

ἄγγελος

The messenger carries what is to be announced; here, the captain gives the speaker room to deliver his news.

apēngeilen: He reported, told

ἀπήγγειλεν

This form of the same root appears when the young man tells Paul about the plot in Acts 23:16, linking the captain’s question to the warning.

THE PATTERN

A voice becomes hearable when someone gives it personal attention and room to speak.

And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

1 Samuel 3:10 · KJVSamuel is called personally, then given the opening to answer.

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

Mark 10:49 · KJVJesus stops and makes room for the blind man to come near and respond.

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Acts 8:31 · KJVThe reader invites Philip close and creates space for a conversation.

THE THREAD

And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

Acts 23:16 · KJV

The Greek words rendered “told” here and “tell” in verse 19 come from the same message-root. The warning reaches Paul through a report; now the captain draws the messenger aside and asks to hear it directly.

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