Acts 22:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I had been blinded by the brightness of the light, so my companions led me by the hand into Dammesek.

Berean Standard Bible:

Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.

American Standard Version:

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me I came into Damascus.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G1161} when^{G5613} I could^{G1689} not^{G3756} see^{G1689} for^{G575} the glory^{G1391} of that^{G1565} light^{G5457}, being led by the hand^{G5496} of^{G5259} them that were^{G4895} with me^{G3427}, I came^{G2064} into^{G1519} Damascus^{G1154}.

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Commentary for Acts 22:11

Acts 22:11 is part of the Apostle Paul's defense before a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, recorded in the Book of Acts. This verse specifically recounts a pivotal moment in Paul's life, known as his conversion experience, which is also narrated in Acts 9 and Acts 26. The historical context of this event is Paul's journey to Damascus, where he intended to persecute Christians. However, on the road, he encountered a blinding light and heard the voice of Jesus Christ, which dramatically transformed his life and mission.

In Acts 22:11, Paul describes the immediate aftermath of this divine encounter, emphasizing the intensity of the light that caused his blindness. The phrase "for the glory of that light" suggests a divine manifestation so overwhelming that it rendered him physically incapable, highlighting the theme of divine power and revelation. The assistance he received, being "led by the hand of them that were with me," underscores themes of community and divine guidance. Despite his initial intentions to oppress the early Christian movement, Paul was now helpless and dependent on others, which reflects a profound reversal in his life's trajectory.

This verse also touches on the theme of spiritual blindness and sight, a motif that runs throughout the New Testament. Paul's temporary physical blindness symbolizes his prior spiritual blindness to the truth of Jesus' message, which is now replaced by spiritual insight as he is led to Damascus, where he would later preach the Gospel he once sought to destroy. The journey to Damascus thus represents not just a geographical relocation but a transformative spiritual pilgrimage.

In summary, Acts 22:11 encapsulates the dramatic transformation of Paul, the abrupt interruption of his persecutory mission by a divine encounter, and the subsequent shift in his purpose to become an apostle of Christ. It speaks to the power of divine intervention, the themes of light and darkness as metaphors for spiritual understanding, and the role of the Christian community in supporting individuals in their faith journey. This verse is a testament to the radical life changes that can occur through an encounter with the divine, and it serves as a cornerstone in the narrative of Paul's apostolic calling.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G5613
   There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὡς
   Transliteration: hōs
   Pronunciation: hoce
   Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1689
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐμβλέπω
   Transliteration: emblépō
   Pronunciation: em-blep'-o
   Description: from ἐν and βλέπω; to look on, i.e. (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly:--behold, gaze up, look upon, (could) see.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
5. Strong's Number: G575
   There are 1465 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀπό
   Transliteration: apó
   Pronunciation: apo'
   Description: a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):--(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1391
   There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δόξα
   Transliteration: dóxa
   Pronunciation: dox'-ah
   Description: from the base of δοκέω; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1565
   There are 244 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκεῖνος
   Transliteration: ekeînos
   Pronunciation: ek-i'-nos
   Description: from ἐκεῖ; that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed:--he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those. See also οὗτος.
   
8. Strong's Number: G5457
   There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φῶς
   Transliteration: phōs
   Pronunciation: foce
   Description: from an obsolete (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare φαίνω, φημί); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):--fire, light.
   
9. Strong's Number: G5496
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: χειραγωγέω
   Transliteration: cheiragōgéō
   Pronunciation: khi-rag-ogue-eh'-o
   Description: from χειραγωγός; to be a hand-leader, i.e. to guide (a blind person):--lead by the hand.
   
10. Strong's Number: G5259
    There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὑπό
    Transliteration: hypó
    Pronunciation: hoop-o'
    Description: a primary preposition; under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at)):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately.
    
11. Strong's Number: G4895
    There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σύνειμι
    Transliteration: sýneimi
    Pronunciation: soon'-i-mee
    Description: from σύν and εἰμί (including its various inflections); to be in company with, i.e. present at the time:--be with.
    
12. Strong's Number: G3427
    There are 227 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μοί
    Transliteration: moí
    Pronunciation: moy
    Description: the simpler form of ἐμοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.
    
13. Strong's Number: G2064
    There are 604 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔρχομαι
    Transliteration: érchomai
    Pronunciation: el'-tho
    Description: middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) , or (active) , which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):--accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.
    
14. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
    
15. Strong's Number: G1154
    There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Δαμασκός
    Transliteration: Damaskós
    Pronunciation: dam-as-kos'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (דַּמֶּשֶׂק); Damascus, a city of Syria:--Damascus.