What Does Acts 8:36 Mean in the King James?
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Water is already in view; the only remaining question is what could still bar entry into it.
THE MEANING
Water is within reach; the remaining question is whether anything still bars immersion. The verse holds recognition at the edge of entry, where the obstacle becomes visible enough to ask about.
THE ROOT
βαπτισθῆναι
baptisthēnai
GROWS FROM
βαπτίζω
baptízō
To immerse or dip.
“baptized” in this verse is baptisthēnai. The Greek form βαπτισθῆναι (baptisthēnai) names the act of being immersed in water. The scene moves from seeing water to asking whether anything prevents that entry.
ALSO GROWS
báptō: To dip or plunge.
βάπτω
This related verb makes the movement concrete: immersion means going into the water.
báptisma: An immersion.
βάπτισμα
The noun names the act itself, keeping the focus on entering the water.
κωλύει
kōlyei
GROWS FROM
κωλυ-
kōly-
To block, restrain, or prevent.
“hinder” in this verse is kōlyei. The question is not whether water exists, but whether anything forbids immersion. The same verb appears in Acts 10:47, where the question becomes whether anyone can forbid water to others.
ALSO GROWS
kōlyō: To prevent or forbid.
κωλύω
This is the verb behind “hinder”; it gives the possible barrier a clear shape.
akōlytōs: Without hindrance, unhindered.
ἀκωλύτως
This related word appears when the book of Acts closes with the message being proclaimed without hindrance.
THE PATTERN
When water is offered, the live question is who can still bar access to it.
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.THE THREAD
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?The verb κωλύω (kōlyō, “prevent” or “forbid”) appears in both verses: “hinder” here and “forbid” there. One question is asked beside the water; the other carries the same question to a whole group.
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