Acts 23:14

KJV

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they {G3748} came to {G4334} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245}, and said {G2036}, We have bound {G332} ourselves {G1438} under a great curse {G331}, that we will eat {G1089} nothing {G3367} until {G2193}{G3739} we have slain {G615} Paul {G3972}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went to the head cohanim and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we have killed Sha’ul.

Berean Standard Bible

They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.

American Standard Version

And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:14 unveils a chilling conspiracy by more than forty Jewish men who, driven by intense animosity, bound themselves with a severe oath to neither eat nor drink until they had assassinated the Apostle Paul. This verse highlights the profound opposition faced by the nascent Christian message and its primary evangelist, revealing the depths of religious zealotry and the lengths to which opponents would go to silence the truth of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a tumultuous period for Paul in Jerusalem. After being arrested in the temple, Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin, where he skillfully exploited the theological divide between the Pharisees and Sadducees by declaring his belief in the resurrection ([Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul Divides the Sanhedrin")). This declaration led to such a violent uproar that the Roman commander Lysias had to intervene, rescuing Paul from being torn apart. The night before the plot described in verse 14, the Lord Himself appeared to Paul, offering divine encouragement and assuring him that he would bear witness in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). This divine promise stands in stark contrast to the human machinations and deadly intent detailed in the subsequent verses, setting the stage for God's providential intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city simmering with religious and political tension under Roman occupation. The "chief priests and elders" mentioned were members of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, dominated by Sadducees at this time. Jewish society had a strong tradition of oath-taking, and a "curse" or "anathema" was a solemn vow, often accompanied by a self-imposed penalty, invoking divine judgment upon oneself if the vow was broken. Such oaths were taken with extreme seriousness, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to their cause. The conspirators were likely ultra-zealous Jews, possibly Sicarii (dagger-men) or other nationalist groups, who viewed Paul as a traitor to their traditions and a blasphemer, believing his elimination was a service to God, a sentiment Jesus himself warned about in [John 16:2](/john/16-2 "John 16:2 - Jesus Warns of Persecution").

* **Key Themes:** Acts 23:14 contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **intense opposition to the Gospel** and its messengers, a recurring motif throughout Acts, from the persecution of the early church in [Acts 4](/acts/4 "Acts 4 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin") and [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - The Martyrdom of Stephen") to Paul's numerous trials. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **misguided religious zeal**, where fervent devotion to God, when untempered by truth and love, can lead to violent and ungodly actions. The conspirators believed they were acting righteously, yet their methods were murderous. Thirdly, though not explicit in this verse, the subsequent narrative underscores the theme of **divine providence and protection**, as God sovereignly thwarts this deadly plot, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises and His ability to protect His servants to fulfill His purposes, a truth echoed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bound (Greek, _anathematízō'_):** From G332, this verb means "to declare or vow under penalty of execration." It signifies a profound and solemn commitment, often involving a self-curse or an anathema, where the person invokes divine judgment upon themselves if they fail to fulfill their oath. The use of this word emphasizes the extreme seriousness and fanatical resolve of the conspirators.
* **ourselves (Greek, _heautoû'_):** From G1438, this reflexive pronoun emphasizes that the conspirators were binding themselves, indicating a voluntary and personal commitment to the oath. It highlights the internal resolve and collective agreement among the group to carry out their deadly plan, taking full responsibility for the severe consequences of failing their vow.
* **eat (Greek, _geúomai'_):** From G1089, this primary verb means "to taste" or, by implication, "to eat." In this context, the conspirators' vow to "eat nothing" signifies a complete fast, a drastic measure demonstrating their absolute determination. Such a fast was a common way to underscore the gravity of an oath, indicating that their commitment to killing Paul superseded even their basic bodily needs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said":** This opening clause reveals the conspirators' strategic move to seek legitimacy and complicity for their murderous plan. By approaching the "chief priests and elders"—members of the Sanhedrin who were already hostile to Paul—they sought not only approval but also active participation in their scheme. This indicates a desire for religious sanction and logistical support, highlighting the deep-seated opposition to Paul within the Jewish religious establishment.
* **"We have bound ourselves under a great curse":** This phrase articulates the solemn and severe oath taken by the more than forty men. The "great curse" (Greek, _anáthema_) signifies a self-imposed anathema, a vow so binding that it invoked divine judgment and potential destruction upon themselves if they failed to accomplish their objective. This underscores the fanatical zeal and profound commitment of the conspirators to their deadly mission.
* **"that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul":** This final clause specifies the precise nature and duration of their self-imposed curse. Their vow to fast completely until Paul was dead illustrates the extreme and desperate measures they were willing to undertake. It reveals their singular, murderous focus and their belief that the elimination of Paul was a matter of ultimate religious importance, justifying even the abandonment of basic sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the gravity and intensity of the situation. **Hyperbole** is evident in the "great curse" and the vow to "eat nothing until we have slain Paul," emphasizing the extreme and fanatical commitment of the conspirators. While literally possible, the language underscores their unyielding resolve. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the fact that these men, presumably zealous for God, are plotting murder, an act directly contrary to God's commandments. This highlights the dangers of misguided religious fervor. Furthermore, the verse serves as a dramatic **Foreshadowing**, setting up the subsequent narrative where God's providence will miraculously intervene to thwart this meticulously planned assassination, demonstrating His sovereign protection over Paul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:14 serves as a stark reminder that faithfulness to God's calling can often invite intense opposition, even from those who claim religious devotion. The conspirators' misguided zeal and willingness to resort to violence against Paul, whom they perceived as an enemy of their traditions, mirrors the broader biblical theme of human rebellion against divine truth. Yet, this verse also implicitly sets the stage for God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that no human plot, however meticulously planned or fanatically sworn, can ultimately thwart God's sovereign purposes for His servants and His Gospel.

* [John 16:2](/john/16-2 "John 16:2 - Jesus Warns of Persecution")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account in Acts 23:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Gospel. It reminds us that devotion to Christ may provoke intense, even violent, opposition, sometimes from unexpected quarters, including those who claim religious piety. We are called to discern between genuine zeal for God and misguided fervor that leads to ungodly actions. This passage encourages us to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, even when facing severe threats, trusting in God's sovereign protection over our lives and His purposes. Just as Paul was divinely assured and protected, we too can rest in the knowledge that God's plans for us will prevail, regardless of human machinations. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our zeal is rooted in truth, love, and submission to God's will, rather than personal animosity or self-righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the intensity of the opposition Paul faced in Acts 23:14 resonate with or differ from the challenges believers face today?**
* **In what ways might sincere religious zeal become misguided or dangerous if not rooted in biblical truth and love?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereign protection, as seen in Paul's life, encourage you when facing difficult or threatening circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our own commitment to God is healthy and Christ-like, rather than fanatical or self-serving?**

### FAQ

**What was the nature of the "great curse" mentioned in Acts 23:14?**

Answer: The "great curse" was a solemn and binding oath, known in Greek as _anáthema_ (G331), which literally means "a thing devoted to destruction." In this context, the conspirators bound themselves with a self-imposed anathema, vowing under penalty of divine judgment that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. This was an extremely serious vow in Jewish culture, indicating their absolute and fanatical commitment to their deadly objective, invoking God's wrath upon themselves if they failed.

**Why did the conspirators involve the chief priests and elders in their plot?**

Answer: The conspirators approached the chief priests and elders primarily to gain their sanction and logistical support for the assassination. These religious leaders were already deeply hostile to Paul and his message, having recently tried him before the Sanhedrin ([Acts 23:1-10](/acts/23-1-10 "Acts 23:1-10 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin")). By involving them, the conspirators sought to legitimize their murderous act under a religious guise, hoping to secure an opportunity to ambush Paul under the pretext of another hearing, as described in [Acts 23:15](/acts/23-15 "Acts 23:15 - The Plot Unveiled"). This collaboration highlights the extent of the opposition Paul faced from within the Jewish religious establishment.

**Was Paul aware of this assassination plot against him?**

Answer: Paul himself was not initially aware of the plot, but God providentially revealed it through Paul's nephew. [Acts 23:16](/acts/23-16 "Acts 23:16 - Paul's Nephew Learns of the Plot") states that "Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and came and entered into the castle, and told Paul." This divine intervention, using an unexpected family member, underscores God's active protection over Paul's life and His commitment to fulfilling His promise that Paul would testify in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:14, though detailing a plot against Paul, ultimately points to Christ in profound ways. The intense, murderous opposition Paul faced for proclaiming the Gospel mirrors the very hatred and conspiracy that Jesus Himself endured. Just as these zealous men bound themselves under a curse to eliminate Paul, the religious leaders of Jesus' day conspired to put Him to death, ultimately crying out, "Crucify him!" ([Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - The Crowd Demands Crucifixion")). Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God, willingly submitted to this human malice, fulfilling the prophecies of His suffering and death for the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). Paul's persecution, therefore, is a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and His Sufferings")), demonstrating that bearing witness to the resurrected Lord often involves facing the same animosity that led to His crucifixion. Yet, just as God raised Jesus from the dead, triumphing over the grave and all human plots ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")), He also sovereignly protected Paul, ensuring His servant would continue to proclaim the Gospel. This narrative ultimately reinforces the truth that no human conspiracy, however fanatical, can thwart the eternal purposes of God, which are centered on the redemptive work of Christ and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")).

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

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Jeremiah 8:12

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Hosea 4:9

And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.

Isaiah 3:9

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

Micah 7:3

That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

Psalms 52:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God [endureth] continually.

Psalms 52:2

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.