And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
And {G1161} there sat {G2521} in {G1909} a window {G2376} a certain {G5100} young man {G3494} named {G3686} Eutychus {G2161}, being fallen {G2702} into a deep {G901} sleep {G5258}: and as Paul {G3972} was long {G1909}{G4119} preaching {G1256}, he sunk down {G2702} with {G575} sleep {G5258}, and fell down {G2736}{G4098} from {G575} the third loft {G5152}, and {G2532} was taken up {G142} dead {G3498}.
and there was a young fellow named Eutychus sitting on the window-sill. As Sha’ul’s drash went on and on, Eutychus grew sleepier and sleepier; until finally he went sound asleep and fell from the third story to the ground. When they picked him up, he was dead.
And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead.
And there sat in the window a certain young man named Eutychus, borne down with deep sleep; and as Paul discoursed yet longer, being borne down by his sleep he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.
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Mark 13:36
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. -
Matthew 26:40
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? -
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak. -
Jonah 1:5
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that [were] in the ship into the sea, to lighten [it] of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. -
Jonah 1:6
So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. -
Mark 9:26
And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. -
Acts 14:19
¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Acts 20:9 (KJV) describes a memorable and dramatic incident during the Apostle Paul's lengthy sermon in Troas. It introduces a young man named Eutychus who, overwhelmed by a deep sleep, falls from a third-story window and is tragically "taken up dead." This verse sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's miraculous power through Paul.
Context
This event takes place during Paul's third missionary journey, specifically in the city of Troas. Paul was preparing to depart the next day, and the local disciples had gathered to hear him preach. This gathering, held on the first day of the week for fellowship and teaching, extended late into the night, as Paul had much to share before his departure. The meeting was in an upper room, likely crowded and warm due to many lamps, contributing to the conditions under which Eutychus became drowsy.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "deep sleep" translates the Greek word kataphero (καταφέρω), which means to be borne down or weighed down, often implying a profound, irresistible slumber. It's more than a casual nap, suggesting Eutychus was completely overcome. The declaration that he was "taken up dead" (Greek: artheis nekros, ἀρθείς νεκρός) leaves no room for doubt about his state; he was lifeless, emphasizing the severity of the fall and the undeniable nature of his demise before his resurrection.
Significance and Application
Acts 20:9 serves as a vivid reminder of the real-world challenges and human elements present even in sacred gatherings. While Eutychus's sleep was a natural consequence of a long vigil, his fall and subsequent revival underscore several points for believers today: