Acts 17:25

KJV

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G3761} is worshipped {G2323} with {G5259} men's {G444} hands {G5495}, as though he needed {G4326} any thing {G5100}, seeing he {G846} giveth {G1325} to all {G3956} life {G2222}, and {G2532} breath {G4157}, and {G2596} all things {G3956};

Complete Jewish Bible

nor is he served by human hands, as if he lacked something; since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything to everyone.

Berean Standard Bible

Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

American Standard Version

neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:25, a pivotal statement from the Apostle Paul's sermon on Mars Hill, profoundly articulates the true nature of God in stark contrast to the prevailing pagan deities and human-centric worship of his Athenian audience. This verse asserts God's absolute self-sufficiency and independence, declaring that He neither requires nor is served by human hands or provisions. Instead, it reveals Him as the ultimate, benevolent Giver and Sustainer of all existence, freely providing life, breath, and every essential thing to humanity, thereby establishing humanity's utter dependence on Him and challenging any notion of reciprocal service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's renowned address to the Athenian philosophers and intellectuals at the Areopagus, as recorded in [Acts 17](/acts/17 "Acts 17 - Paul in Athens"). Having observed their deep religious devotion, evidenced by numerous idols and even an altar dedicated "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD," Paul seizes this opportunity to introduce them to the one true God whom they unknowingly worship. His sermon begins by acknowledging their religiosity ([Acts 17:22](/acts/17-22 "Acts 17:22 - Paul on Mars Hill")) and then systematically dismantles their polytheistic and anthropocentric views of deity. He first identifies God as the Creator of the world and everything in it, who does not dwell in man-made temples ([Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - God the Creator")). Acts 17:25 naturally follows, extending this theological argument by asserting God's independence from human service, setting the stage for Paul's call to repentance and belief in the resurrected Christ ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "Acts 17:30-31 - Call to Repentance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Athens in the first century CE was a vibrant intellectual and religious center, home to diverse philosophical schools such as the Epicureans (who believed gods were detached and indifferent) and the Stoics (who saw divinity as an impersonal force within the universe). The city was renowned for its numerous temples, altars, and idols, reflecting a polytheistic worldview where gods often had human-like needs, requiring sacrifices, offerings, and elaborate rituals to appease them or gain their favor. Many believed that human worship or temple construction somehow "served" or "benefited" the gods. Paul's declaration in [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God's Self-Sufficiency") directly confronts this cultural understanding, challenging the very foundation of their religious practices and philosophical assumptions about divine necessity and human agency.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 17:25 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. It profoundly asserts **God's Self-Sufficiency (Aseity)**, highlighting His complete independence and self-existence, encapsulated in the phrase "as though he needed any thing." God does not require anything from humanity—including our worship, temples, or sacrifices—to fulfill His own being or purpose. This stands in stark contrast to the pagan deities who were often depicted as dependent on human offerings or confined to man-made structures, a concept echoed in [Psalm 50:10-12](/psalm/50-10-12 "Psalm 50:10-12 - God Owns Everything"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **God as the Ultimate Giver and Sustainer**, stating "seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." He is the supreme source of all existence and provision, actively providing every necessity, from the very essence of life and breath (reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam")) to all material blessings. This truth reveals humanity's utter dependence on Him, a theme consistently affirmed throughout Scripture, such as in [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things") where it is stated that in Christ "all things hold together." Finally, the verse offers a powerful **Critique of Idolatry and Misconceptions of Worship**. Paul's opening statement, "Neither is worshipped with men's hands," directly condemns the practice of idolatry and the notion that God can be contained, served, or manipulated by human artifacts or rituals alone. True worship is not about fabricating or providing for God out of His perceived need, but about acknowledging His sovereignty, receiving from His abundance, and responding with gratitude. This concept challenges the very foundation of pagan worship and aligns with the commandment against [making graven images](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worshipped (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** From G2323, meaning "to wait upon menially," "to adore (God)," or "to relieve (of disease)." In this context, it carries the sense of rendering service or homage as if God needed tending, provision, or assistance. Paul emphatically denies this, stating that God is not dependent on human service in the way a physical being or a pagan deity might be. The implication is that God does not require human "therapy" or "service" to be complete or sustained.
* **needed (Greek, _prosdéomai'_):** From G4326, meaning "to require additionally," or "to want further." This word directly conveys the idea of lacking something or being deficient. Paul uses it to underscore God's absolute self-sufficiency (aseity), emphasizing that God is not in a state of deficiency that human actions or offerings could remedy. He is entirely complete in Himself.
* **giveth (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, meaning "to give" in a very wide application, including bestowing, delivering, or granting. This verb highlights God's active role as the benevolent source and provider. It stands in direct contrast to the idea of God needing to receive, establishing Him as the ultimate Giver from whom all life and sustenance flow. This emphasizes His generosity and humanity's complete reliance on His provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither is worshipped with men's hands":** This opening clause directly challenges the anthropocentric and idolatrous practices prevalent in Athens. "Worshipped" (therapeúō) here implies serving or rendering homage as if God required something. The phrase "with men's hands" (cheirōn anthrōpōn) refers to human effort, labor, and craftsmanship, particularly in the creation of idols and temples. Paul asserts that the true God is not served or honored in a way that suggests He is dependent on human fabrication or physical service, contrasting Him with idols made by human hands.
* **"as though he needed any thing":** This clause provides the theological rationale for the preceding statement. The Greek word for "needed" (prosdéomai) signifies a lack or a requirement for something additional. Paul is making a profound statement about God's aseity – His inherent self-existence and complete independence. God is not deficient in any way; He does not have needs that humans can fulfill. This directly refutes the pagan notion of gods requiring sustenance or appeasement from their worshippers.
* **"seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;":** This final clause presents the ultimate proof of God's self-sufficiency and His true nature as the supreme Provider. Rather than needing anything *from* humanity, God is the one who freely *gives* everything *to* humanity. "Life" (zōḗ) refers to existence itself, "breath" (pnoḗ) to the vital principle that sustains it, and "all things" (panta) encompasses every other necessity and blessing. This highlights God's active role as the benevolent Creator and Sustainer, making humanity utterly dependent on His gracious provision for every aspect of their being and existence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in Acts 17:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to its impact is **Antithesis**, which creates a sharp contrast between two opposing ideas: God *not* being worshipped as though He needs anything, versus God *giving* life, breath, and all things. This stark opposition highlights God's unique nature as the ultimate Giver, not a receiver in need. The phrase "as though he needed any thing" functions as a **Rhetorical Question** or an implied refutation, challenging the audience's preconceived notions about deity without explicitly asking a question. It subtly mocks the absurdity of imagining the divine Creator as having needs. Furthermore, the enumeration of "life, and breath, and all things" is a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (life and breath, representing the essence of existence) are used to signify the whole ("all things"). This emphasizes the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's provision. Finally, the entire verse serves as a powerful **Didactic Statement**, instructing the Athenian audience and all subsequent readers about the true character of God and the nature of genuine worship, moving them away from idolatry towards a proper understanding of the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:25 is a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and self-sufficiency, a concept known as His aseity. It dismantles anthropocentric views of divinity, asserting that the Creator is not dependent on His creation for His existence, well-being, or glory. Instead, all creation is utterly dependent on Him. This truth reorients worship from a transactional model—where humans give to God out of His perceived need—to a relational one, where humans respond with gratitude and adoration to the God who freely gives all. It underscores that God's glory is intrinsic, not augmented by human effort, and that our service is a response to His abundant grace, not a means to fulfill His deficiencies. This verse thus serves as a powerful theological corrective, redirecting human focus from what we can offer God to what God has already, and continues to, lavishly provide.

* [Psalm 50:10-12](/psalm/50-10-12 "Psalm 50:10-12 - God's Ownership of All Things"): "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof."
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God's Everlasting Power"): "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding."
* [Romans 11:35-36](/romans/11-35-36 "Romans 11:35-36 - God's Unfathomable Ways"): "Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:25 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our relationship with God and the nature of true worship. If God needs nothing from us, then our worship is not about satisfying His lack, but about expressing our overflowing gratitude for His boundless generosity. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor or provide for His needs, shifting our focus to receiving His grace and living in humble dependence. It reminds us that our very existence, every breath, and every good thing we possess is a gift from His hand. This understanding should cultivate profound humility, recognizing our utter reliance on the Creator, and inspire a life of worship that flows from a heart transformed by His giving, rather than from a sense of obligation or an attempt to manipulate Him. It challenges us to examine whether our worship truly acknowledges His sovereignty and self-sufficiency, or if it subtly reflects a human-centric view where we imagine God somehow benefits from our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's self-sufficiency (aseity) change your perspective on what it means to truly worship Him?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, approach God as though He "needed" something from us, rather than acknowledging Him as the ultimate Giver?**
* **Considering that God gives "life, and breath, and all things," how does this truth deepen your gratitude and shape your daily living?**
* **What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from what you can offer God to a deeper appreciation of what He has already given you?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that God doesn't care about our worship or our good deeds?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. Acts 17:25 does not diminish the importance of worship or good deeds; rather, it redefines their nature and purpose. Paul is clarifying *why* we worship and serve God. We do not worship Him because He *needs* anything from us to be complete or sustained. Instead, we worship Him because He is the self-sufficient, all-sufficient Creator and Sustainer who freely gives us "life, and breath, and all things." Our worship and good deeds are therefore not transactional payments or attempts to fill a divine void, but rather grateful responses to His inherent glory and boundless generosity. True worship, as Jesus taught in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), is "in spirit and truth," flowing from a heart that recognizes God for who He truly is: the independent, benevolent Giver.

**How does this verse relate to the biblical commands for tithing and giving offerings?**

Answer: This verse provides the theological foundation for understanding biblical giving. When we give our tithes and offerings, it is not because God is lacking or because our contributions somehow make Him richer or more powerful. As [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's") declares, "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." God already owns everything. Our giving is an act of worship, a tangible expression of our gratitude, trust, and obedience to the One who has already given us everything, including "life, and breath, and all things." It acknowledges His sovereignty over our resources and demonstrates our dependence on His continued provision, aligning our hearts with His generous nature.

**Is Paul saying that God doesn't need temples or churches, and therefore they are irrelevant?**

Answer: Paul's statement "Neither is worshipped with men's hands" (referring to man-made structures like temples) in [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God's Self-Sufficiency") and [Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - God Does Not Dwell in Temples") certainly challenges the pagan notion that God is confined to or dependent upon physical structures. However, it does not render places of worship irrelevant. Instead, it elevates the understanding of God. While God does not *need* a physical building, He does command His people to gather for worship, fellowship, and instruction ([Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Gathering")). The church building, therefore, serves as a practical gathering place for the community of believers—the true "temple" of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The emphasis shifts from the physical structure as a dwelling for God to the spiritual community as the living embodiment of His presence and mission on earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:25, with its profound declaration of God's self-sufficiency and His role as the ultimate Giver of "life, and breath, and all things," finds its most glorious and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the very embodiment of God's giving nature, not needing anything from humanity yet freely bestowing the greatest gifts. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ is Creator")). Indeed, it is "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")), demonstrating His active and ongoing role in sustaining life and existence, echoing the "life, and breath, and all things" of Acts 17:25. Furthermore, Jesus revealed the ultimate act of God's giving: He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His sacrifice on the cross was not a payment God *needed* from us, but a gift God *gave* to us, demonstrating His love while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Through Christ, we receive not only physical life and breath but also eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundant")) and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to offer true worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")), a worship that flows from gratitude for His sovereign grace, not from a perceived need on His part.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 50:8

I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

Psalms 50:13

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Acts 17:28

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Romans 11:35

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Isaiah 42:5

¶ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

Job 33:4

The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.