Acts 20:37

KJV

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they all {G3956} wept {G2805}{G1096} sore {G2425}, and {G2532} fell {G1968} on {G1909} Paul's {G3972} neck {G5137}, and kissed {G2705} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

They were all in tears as they threw their arms around his neck and kissed him farewell.

Berean Standard Bible

They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.

American Standard Version

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:37 vividly portrays the profound emotional bond between the Apostle Paul and the Ephesian elders at their farewell in Miletus. Following Paul's poignant address and prayer, the elders responded with overwhelming grief, weeping intensely as they embraced Paul, falling on his neck and repeatedly kissing him. This deeply moving scene underscores the genuine affection, mutual respect, and shared spiritual journey that characterized their relationship, highlighting the sorrow of their impending separation and Paul's impactful ministry among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a deeply emotional farewell scene. It immediately follows Paul's final prayer with the Ephesian elders on the beach at Miletus, as recorded in [Acts 20:36](/acts/20-36 "Acts 20:36 - Paul's Prayer with the Ephesian Elders"). Paul had summoned these leaders from Ephesus, delivering a comprehensive and prophetic address that recounted his faithful ministry among them ([Acts 20:18-35](/acts/20-18-35 "Acts 20:18-35 - Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders")). A central theme of his speech, and a primary source of the elders' sorrow, was Paul's explicit declaration that they would "see his face no more" ([Acts 20:25](/acts/20-25 "Acts 20:25 - Paul's Prophecy of Departure"), [Acts 20:38](/acts/20-38 "Acts 20:38 - Their Sorrow at Paul's Departure")). This verse, therefore, captures the raw, immediate emotional response to the finality of Paul's departure, intensifying the depth of their spiritual and personal bond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, public displays of emotion, including weeping and embracing, were more common and culturally accepted than in many modern Western societies. The act of falling on someone's neck and kissing them was a traditional gesture of deep affection, respect, and often, reunion or poignant farewells. This gesture is seen in other biblical narratives, such as the reunion of [Joseph and Benjamin in Genesis 45:14](/genesis/45-14 "Genesis 45:14 - Joseph and Benjamin Embrace") and the father's embrace of the [prodigal son in Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father Embraces the Prodigal Son"). The city of Miletus, a significant port city south of Ephesus, served as a convenient meeting point, allowing Paul to avoid delays in Ephesus while still meeting with the church's leadership. The journey Paul was embarking on to Jerusalem was fraught with danger, a fact he had explicitly stated ([Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Acts 20:22-23 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem")), adding to the gravity and sorrow of the farewell.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **relational nature of Christian ministry and fellowship**, demonstrating the deep, personal bonds forged through shared faith and service, extending beyond mere theological agreement to genuine affection. Secondly, it underscores the **pain and reality of separation and loss**, even within the context of God's sovereign plan. The "wept sore" emphasizes the legitimate human emotion of grief that accompanies significant farewells. Thirdly, the elders' intense reaction serves as a powerful testament to the **authenticity and impact of Paul's apostolic ministry**. Their sorrow was a direct reflection of his selfless dedication, sacrificial service, and the transformative spiritual guidance he had provided to the Ephesian church, fulfilling his commission to preach the [kingdom of God](/acts/20-25 "Acts 20:25 - Preaching the Kingdom of God") and testify to the [gospel of the grace of God](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - The Gospel of Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wept (Greek, _klauthmós'_):** From G2805, meaning "lamentation" or "wailing." This term denotes a strong, audible, and often prolonged expression of grief, more intense than mere tears. The addition of "sore" (G2425, _hikanós'_ - meaning "sufficient," "ample," or "greatly") further emphasizes the depth and intensity of their collective sorrow, indicating a profound and unrestrained outpouring of emotion. It was not a quiet shedding of tears but a loud, communal lamentation.
* **fell (Greek, _epipíptō'_):** From G1968, meaning "to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence)." This word, combined with the preposition "on" (G1909, _epí'_), describes the physical action of collapsing or throwing oneself upon someone. In this context, it conveys a spontaneous, passionate, and deeply affectionate embrace, indicative of overwhelming emotion and a desire for close physical contact in a moment of profound farewell.
* **kissed (Greek, _kataphiléō'_):** From G2705, meaning "to kiss earnestly." This compound verb is more intense than a simple kiss (_phileō_). It implies repeated, fervent, or affectionate kissing, conveying a deep sense of devotion, reverence, and profound emotional attachment. It is a gesture of intimate affection and respect, signifying the depth of the bond and the sorrow of parting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they all wept sore,"**: This clause immediately establishes the collective and profound nature of the elders' grief. The use of "all" (G3956, _pâs'_) indicates a universal emotional response among the gathered leaders, underscoring the widespread impact Paul had on them. Their weeping was not a gentle shedding of tears but an intense, audible lamentation, signaling deep sorrow at the prospect of Paul's permanent departure.
* **"and fell on Paul's neck,"**: This physical action vividly portrays the intensity of their affection and sorrow. It is a gesture of deep embrace, signifying an overwhelming emotional response that compelled them to cling to Paul. This act communicates profound love, respect, and the pain of separation, as if they wished to hold onto him and prevent his departure.
* **"and kissed him,"**: Following the embrace, the act of kissing, specifically using the intensified Greek term _kataphiléō_, emphasizes the fervent and repeated nature of their expressions of affection. This was a tender, intimate, and heartfelt farewell, sealing their deep bond and conveying their profound devotion to Paul, their spiritual father and mentor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Emotional Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of raw human feeling. The description of "wept sore," "fell on Paul's neck," and "kissed him" uses strong verbs and culturally significant gestures to convey an overwhelming sense of grief, affection, and finality. The collective "they all" emphasizes the **Universality** of this emotional outpouring among the elders, suggesting a shared and deeply felt connection to Paul. The scene employs **Pathos** to evoke sympathy and understanding for the deep bonds within the early Christian community. The specific actions described are forms of **Gesture**, which in ancient Near Eastern culture carried significant symbolic weight, communicating profound respect, love, and sorrow in a way that words alone might not capture. The intensified nature of the weeping ("sore") and kissing (_kataphiléō_) can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme depth of their emotional response beyond a simple, polite farewell.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:37 powerfully illustrates the profound relational aspect of Christian ministry and community. It transcends mere intellectual agreement, revealing the deep, personal bonds of love, respect, and shared spiritual experience that characterized the early church. The elders' intense sorrow at Paul's departure highlights that true spiritual leadership fosters genuine affection, making farewells painful but also testifying to the authenticity and impact of the ministry. This scene underscores the legitimacy of human emotion, even grief, within the Christian life, demonstrating that faith does not negate feelings but often deepens them in the context of shared spiritual journey and impending loss. Their tears were not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the powerful, life-changing work God had done through Paul in their midst, forging an unbreakable bond in Christ.

* [Genesis 45:14](/genesis/45-14 "Genesis 45:14 - Joseph and Benjamin Embrace"): "And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck."
* [Luke 15:20](/luke/15-20 "Luke 15:20 - The Father Embraces the Prodigal Son"): "And 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."
* [1 Thessalonians 2:17-20](/1_thessalonians/2-17-20 "1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 - Paul's Affection for the Thessalonians"): "But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:37 offers a profound lesson on the nature of Christian relationships and the impact of faithful ministry. It reminds us that the church is not merely an organization, but a family bound by deep spiritual and emotional ties. The genuine affection displayed by the Ephesian elders for Paul challenges us to cultivate authentic, loving relationships within our own Christian communities, moving beyond superficial interactions to truly invest in one another's lives. This passage also serves as a powerful affirmation of the legitimacy of human emotion, particularly grief, in the face of separation. It is natural and healthy to mourn the departure of those we love and respect, especially spiritual mentors who have significantly impacted our faith journey. Furthermore, the elders' deep sorrow is a testament to Paul's impactful and selfless ministry; it prompts us to consider the legacy we are building through our service, aiming to equip others and foster a spiritual bond that endures. Ultimately, this scene calls us to cherish the bonds of Christian fellowship, to honor those who faithfully serve, and to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion as we navigate life's farewells, all within the context of God's overarching plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the elders' intense emotional response reveal about the kind of relationships we should strive for within the body of Christ?**
* **How does this passage affirm the place of deep human emotion, including sorrow, in the life of a believer?**
* **What kind of legacy are you building in your ministry or service that would evoke such genuine affection and sorrow upon your departure?**
* **How can we better honor and express appreciation for our spiritual leaders and mentors in ways that reflect the depth of the Ephesian elders' love for Paul?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Ephesian elders weep "sore" and embrace Paul so intensely?**

Answer: The elders' intense emotional display was a profound expression of their deep love, respect, and sorrow at Paul's impending departure. Paul had just told them they would "see his face no more" ([Acts 20:25](/acts/20-25 "Acts 20:25 - Paul's Prophecy of Departure"), [Acts 20:38](/acts/20-38 "Acts 20:38 - Their Sorrow at Paul's Departure")), signaling a permanent separation. Their weeping "sore" (meaning intensely or greatly) and their actions of falling on his neck and kissing him were culturally appropriate gestures in the ancient world for expressing overwhelming grief and profound affection during a poignant farewell. It reflected the genuine, heartfelt bond forged through years of shared ministry, Paul's tireless spiritual guidance, and the transformative impact he had on their lives and the church in Ephesus.

**Is it appropriate for Christians to display such strong emotions like intense weeping and physical embraces?**

Answer: Absolutely. Acts 20:37, along with other biblical accounts like [Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept"), demonstrates that deep human emotion, including sorrow and physical expressions of affection, are natural and legitimate within the Christian life. Faith does not negate feelings but often deepens them. The scene with Paul and the Ephesian elders highlights the authenticity of their relationships and the profound impact of spiritual bonds. It teaches us that expressing grief, love, and respect in heartfelt ways is a healthy and biblical response to significant life events and relationships.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 20:37 describes a poignant human farewell, it ultimately points to the greater reality of Christ's perfect love and the eternal bonds forged in Him. The deep affection and sorrow shared between Paul and the elders foreshadow the even deeper, unbreakable union believers have with Christ and with one another through His Spirit. Their temporary separation, though painful, finds its ultimate comfort in the promise of eternal communion with God through Jesus. Christ himself experienced profound human emotions, weeping over Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) and at the tomb of Lazarus ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")), demonstrating that deep feeling is part of our humanity, redeemed and sanctified by His incarnation. The "kissed him" gesture, signifying deep devotion, echoes the ultimate devotion of Christ, who laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Moreover, the pain of this farewell, rooted in the uncertainty of future earthly reunion, is ultimately overcome by the Christian hope in Christ's return, when all believers will be gathered to Him forever, and there will be no more tears or separation ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, the emotional depth of Acts 20:37, while humanly moving, serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal, perfect fellowship secured by Christ's sacrifice and the promise of His glorious appearing.

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

2 Timothy 1:4

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Revelation 21:4

And 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.

Romans 16:16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

2 Corinthians 13:12

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

1 Corinthians 16:20

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

Luke 15:20

And 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:26

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.