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◄ Acts 20:38►

New International Version
What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

New Living Translation
They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.

English Standard Version
being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Berean Standard Bible
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Berean Literal Bible
sorrowing especially over the word that he had spoken, that they are about to see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

King James Bible
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

New King James Version
sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

New American Standard Bible
grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

NASB 1995
grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

NASB 1977
grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

Legacy Standard Bible
being in agony especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

Amplified Bible
grievingand distressed especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see him again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Christian Standard Bible
grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

American Standard Version
sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.

Contemporary English Version
They were especially sad because Paul had told them, "You will never see me again." Then they went with him to the ship.

English Revised Version
Sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The thought of not seeing Paul again hurt them most of all. Then they took Paul to the ship.

Good News Translation
They were especially sad because he had said that they would never see him again. And so they went with him to the ship.

International Standard Version
They were especially sorrowful because of what he had said—that they would never see his face again. Then they took him to the ship.

NET Bible
especially saddened by what he had said, that they were not going to see him again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

New Heart English Bible
sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Webster's Bible Translation
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Weymouth New Testament
grieved above all things at his having told them that after that day they were no longer to see his face. And they went with him to the ship.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

World English Bible
sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
sorrowing most of all for the word that he had said—that they are about to see his face no longer; and they were accompanying him to the ship.

Berean Literal Bible
sorrowing especially over the word that he had spoken, that they are about to see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Young's Literal Translation
sorrowing most of all for the word that he had said -- that they are about no more to see his face; and they were accompanying him to the ship.

Smith's Literal Translation
Grieving chiefly for the word which he spake, that they are about to see his face no more. And they sent him forward to the ship.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him on his way to the ship.

Catholic Public Domain Version
being grieved most of all over the word which he had said, that they would never see his face again. And they brought him to the ship.

New American Bible
for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

New Revised Standard Version
grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But they were most distressed because of the words he spoke, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But they were all the more pained about that statement which he said, that they were not going to see his face again; and they accompanied him to the ship.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.

Godbey New Testament
being especially grieved at the word which he had spoken, that they were about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Haweis New Testament
most peculiarly afflicted at that word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more: and they accompanied him unto the ship.

Mace New Testament
being more particularly afflicted at his having said, "they should see his face no more." and then they conducted him to the ship.

Weymouth New Testament
grieved above all things at his having told them that after that day they were no longer to see his face. And they went with him to the ship.

Worrell New Testament
being distressed especially on account of the word which he had spoken, that they were to see his face no more. And they were escorting him to the ship.

Worsley New Testament
that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
…37They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.38They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again.Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

2 Corinthians 2:4
For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

1 Thessalonians 2:17
Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

Philippians 1:8
God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

1 Samuel 20:41
When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

Genesis 31:49
It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other.

2 Kings 2:12
As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.

Luke 24:52
And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

2 Corinthians 7:7
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

Romans 15:30-32
Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. / Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, / so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

Genesis 45:28
“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”

1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

2 Samuel 19:39
So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home.

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Treasury of Scripture

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

that.

Acts 20:25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

and.

Acts 15:3
And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 21:5,16
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, tillwe were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed…

1 Corinthians 16:11
Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

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Accompanied Especially Face Grieved Grieving Longer Pained Sad Ship Sorrowing Specially Statement Word Words

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Acts 20

1.Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.
7.He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.
9.Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.
13.Paul continues his travels;
17.and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28.commits God's flock to them,
29.warns them of false teachers,
32.commends them to God,
36.prays with them, and departs.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

They were especially grieved by his statement
The elders of the Ephesian church were deeply saddened by Paul's words. This reflects the close bond and deep affection between Paul and the believers in Ephesus. Paul had spent about three years in Ephesus, teaching and building the church (Acts 19:8-10). His statement likely reminded them of the sacrifices and challenges they had faced together. The grief also underscores the emotional and spiritual connection that leaders and congregations can develop.

that they would never see his face again.
Paul's declaration that they would not see him again was a poignant moment. It highlights the reality of his impending journey to Jerusalem, where he anticipated facing persecution (Acts 20:22-23). This statement also reflects the transient nature of missionary work and the sacrifices involved. It echoes Jesus' own words to His disciples about His departure (John 16:16-22), drawing a parallel between Paul's mission and Christ's. The finality of the statement emphasizes the seriousness of Paul's mission and the potential dangers he faced.

Then they accompanied him to the ship.
The act of accompanying Paul to the ship signifies the deep respect and love the Ephesian elders had for him. It was customary in ancient times to escort a departing guest as a sign of honor and affection. This gesture also reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported one another in practical ways. The journey to the ship symbolizes the transition from one phase of ministry to another, as Paul continued his mission to spread the Gospel. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical farewells, such as Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:1-12), where a mentor and mentee part ways, marking the continuation of God's work through different individuals.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul
The apostle who is saying farewell to the Ephesian elders. He has been a spiritual leader and mentor to them, and his departure is deeply emotional.

2.Ephesian Elders
Leaders of the church in Ephesus who have gathered to hear Paul's farewell address. They are deeply saddened by the prospect of never seeing Paul again.

3.Ephesus
A significant city in Asia Minor where Paul spent considerable time preaching and teaching. It was a center for early Christian activity.

4.The Ship
Represents the means by which Paul will leave Ephesus, symbolizing the physical separation from the Ephesian church.

5.Farewell Event
This is a poignant moment of parting, filled with emotion and spiritual significance, as Paul entrusts the church to God's care.

Teaching Points

The Pain of Parting
Recognize that goodbyes are often painful, especially within the body of Christ. This pain reflects the deep bonds of love and fellowship that God intends for His people.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Even in times of separation, we can trust that God is in control and will continue His work through others. Paul entrusts the Ephesian church to God's care, knowing that God is faithful.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Paul's relationship with the Ephesian elders highlights the importance of strong, godly leadership in the church. Leaders should be committed to teaching, guiding, and loving their congregations.

Legacy of Faith
Consider the legacy you are leaving behind. Paul’s farewell is a reminder to live in such a way that our influence for Christ endures even after we are gone.

Emotional Honesty in the Church
The open display of emotion by Paul and the elders shows that it is healthy and biblical to express our feelings within the church community.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 20:38?

2.How does Acts 20:38 demonstrate the importance of Christian fellowship and community?

3.What emotions are expressed in Acts 20:38, and why are they significant?

4.How can we apply the love shown in Acts 20:38 to our church?

5.What other biblical examples show deep bonds among believers like in Acts 20:38?

6.How does Acts 20:38 encourage us to cherish spiritual leaders in our lives?

7.Why did Paul say they would never see his face again in Acts 20:38?

8.How does Acts 20:38 reflect the emotional bonds in early Christian communities?

9.What historical context explains Paul's farewell in Acts 20:38?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 20?

11.Why does this major miracle only appear in John and not in the other Gospels (John 11)?

12.Did Paul’s claim that his listeners would never see him again (Acts 20:25) prove accurate, and how can this be confirmed?

13.(Genesis 37:34-35) Do the customs of mourning described align with verifiable ancient practices, or do they hint at anachronistic traditions introduced later?

14.How can we find joy and unity in Christ?

What Does Acts 20:38 Mean

They were especially grieved

Paul’s farewell in Miletus had already been soaked in tears (Acts 20:37). The Ephesian elders loved him as a father in the faith; their sorrow mirrors the disciples’ heaviness when Jesus spoke of His own departure (John 16:6). Scripture never rebukes such grief—“I wrote to you out of great anguish of heart and with many tears” (2 Corinthians 2:4). Healthy Christian fellowship runs deep:

•It is rooted in shared labor for the gospel (Philippians 1:3-5).

•It is strengthened by prayer and mutual encouragement (Acts 20:36).

•It feels loss keenly because the bond is real, not superficial (Romans 12:15).

by his statement that they would never see his face again

Earlier Paul had told them, “I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again” (Acts 20:25). The finality of those words cut deeply. Yet they also had a forward look:

•Paul expected hardship and likely martyrdom (Acts 20:22-24;2 Timothy 4:6-8).

•The elders trusted God’s sovereignty even when outcomes hurt (Proverbs 19:21).

•Their grief was tempered by hope—one day they would meet again around Christ’s throne (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;Revelation 21:3-4).

True faith does not deny pain; it anchors it to the certainty of resurrection joy.

Then they accompanied him to the ship

Love moved them from emotion to action. Walking Paul to the dock was a practical, public affirmation of fellowship, reminiscent of the believers at Tyre who “accompanied all of us out of the city, and we knelt on the beach and prayed” (Acts 21:5). Such gestures:

•Express solidarity—going “the extra mile” for one another (Matthew 5:41).

•Model generous hospitality and support for those sent out (3John 6-8).

•Seal farewells with visible acts of blessing (Acts 15:3).

The scene urges today’s church to match affectionate words with tangible care for servants of the gospel.

summary

Acts 20:38 captures a moment of heartfelt sorrow, sober realism, and steadfast love. The elders’ grief shows the depth of Christian relationships; Paul’s prediction underscores the cost of obedient discipleship; their escort to the ship turns affection into action. Together these elements remind believers to value fellowship, face life’s partings with gospel hope, and serve one another in practical ways until the promised reunion in Christ.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 38. - Theword which he had spoken forthe words which he spake, A.V.;behold forsee, A.V.;brought him on his way foraccompanied him, A.V.Brought him on his way;προέπεμπον, asActs 15:3;Acts 21:5. So too1 Corinthians 16:6, 11;2 Corinthians 1:16;Titus 3:13 3John 6. But the renderingaccompanied gives the meaning of the two last passages in the Acts better than that of the R.V. It is impossible to part with this most touching narrative, of such exquisite simplicity and beauty, without a parting word of admiration and thankfulness to God for having preserved to his Church this record of apostolic wisdom and faithfulness on the one hand, and of loving devotion of the clergy to their great chief on the other. As long as the stones of the Church are bound together by such strong mortar, it can defy the attacks of its enemies from without.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

They were especially grieved
ὀδυνώμενοι(odynōmenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3600:To torment, pain; mid. and pass: To be tormented, pained; I suffer acute pain, physical or mental. From odune; to grieve.

by
ἐπὶ(epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

his statement
εἰρήκει(eirēkei)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046:Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

that
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

they would [never]
μέλλουσιν(mellousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3195:A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.

see
θεωρεῖν(theōrein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2334:From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).

his
αὐτοῦ(autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

face
πρόσωπον(prosōpon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383:From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.

[again].
οὐκέτι(ouketi)
Adverb
Strong's 3765:No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.

Then
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they accompanied
προέπεμπον(proepempon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4311:To send forward, accompany, equip for a journey. From pro and pempo; to send forward, i.e. Escort or aid in travel.

him
αὐτὸν(auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

to
εἰς(eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸ(to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ship.
πλοῖον(ploion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143:A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.

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NT Apostles: Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all because (Acts of the Apostles Ac)