Acts 8:36
New International Version
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”

New Living Translation
As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?”

English Standard Version
And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

Berean Standard Bible
As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?”

Berean Literal Bible
And as they were going along the road they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, "Behold, water! What prevents me to be baptized?"

King James Bible
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

New King James Version
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

New American Standard Bible
As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

NASB 1995
As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

NASB 1977
And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

Amplified Bible
As they continued along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch exclaimed, “Look! Water! What forbids me from being baptized?”

Christian Standard Bible
As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?”

American Standard Version
And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

English Revised Version
And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As they were going along the road, they came to some water. The official said to Philip, "Look, there's some water. What can keep me from being baptized?"

Good News Translation
As they traveled down the road, they came to a place where there was some water, and the official said, "Here is some water. What is to keep me from being baptized?"

International Standard Version
As they were going along the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, "Look, there's some water. What keeps me from being baptized?"

Majority Standard Bible
As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?”

NET Bible
Now as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, there is water! What is to stop me from being baptized?"

New Heart English Bible
As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Weymouth New Testament
So they proceeded on their way till they came to some water; and the eunuch exclaimed, "See, here is water; what is there to prevent my being baptized?"

World English Bible
As they went on the way, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And as they were going on the way, they came on some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, water; what hinders me to be immersed?”

Berean Literal Bible
And as they were going along the road they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, "Behold, water! What prevents me to be baptized?"

Young's Literal Translation
And as they were going on the way, they came upon a certain water, and the eunuch said, 'Lo, water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And as they went in the way, they came to some water: and the eunuch said, Behold water; what hinders me to be immersed?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water; and the eunuch said: See, here is water: what doth hinder me from being baptized?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And while they were going along the way, they arrived at a certain water source. And the eunuch said: “There is water. What would prevent me from being baptized?”

New American Bible
As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?”

New Revised Standard Version
As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as they went on their way, they came to a place where there was water; and the eunuch said, Behold here is water; what prevents me from being baptized?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And as they were going on the road, they were arriving at one place that had water in it, and that Eunuch said, “Behold, water! What is the hindrance to me being baptized?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And as they went along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said: See, here is water; what hinders me from being immersed?

Godbey New Testament
And while they were journeying along the road, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch says, Behold water; what doth hinder me from being baptized?

Haweis New Testament
But as they went on the road, they came to some water: and the eunuch said, Here is water, what forbids my being baptised?

Mace New Testament
as they pursued their journey, they came to a place of water: and the eunuch said, see, here is water; what should hinder my being baptized?

Weymouth New Testament
So they proceeded on their way till they came to some water; and the eunuch exclaimed, "See, here is water; what is there to prevent my being baptized?"

Worrell New Testament
And, as they were journeying along the way, they came to a certain water; and the eunuch says, "Behold, here is water; what hinders me from being immersed?"

Worsley New Testament
And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See here is water, what hindereth me from being baptized?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Philip and the Ethiopian
35Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?”

Cross References
Matthew 3:13-17
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. / But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” / “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. ...

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 6:3-4
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

1 Peter 3:21
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

Colossians 2:12
And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:47-48
“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” / So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

Acts 16:31-33
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” / Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. / At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized.

Acts 19:4-5
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” / On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

Titus 3:5
He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized?

See.

Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Ezekiel 36:25
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

John 3:5,23
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God…

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Acts 8
1. By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria,
4. by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;
9. among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;
14. Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church;
15. where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;
18. when Simon would have bought the like power of them,
20. Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness,
22. and exhorting him to repentance,
25. together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;
26. but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.














As they traveled along the road
This phrase sets the scene for the unfolding event, emphasizing the journey motif that is prevalent throughout the Book of Acts. The Greek word for "traveled" (πορεύομαι, poreuomai) implies a purposeful journey, often used in the context of a mission or divine appointment. Historically, roads in the ancient Near East were significant for trade and communication, but in the context of Acts, they symbolize the spread of the Gospel. The road here is not just a physical path but a metaphor for the spiritual journey of faith and the mission of the early church.

and came to some water
The mention of "water" is crucial, as it introduces the opportunity for baptism. In the arid regions of the Middle East, water was a precious resource, often associated with life and cleansing. The Greek word for "water" (ὕδωρ, hydor) is used throughout the New Testament to symbolize purification and the Holy Spirit. This moment signifies divine providence, as the presence of water at this point in their journey is not coincidental but orchestrated by God for the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism.

the eunuch said
The "eunuch" refers to the Ethiopian official, a man of high status and authority, yet marginalized in Jewish religious practice due to his physical condition. His inclusion in this narrative highlights the breaking down of social and religious barriers through the Gospel. The Greek term for eunuch (εὐνοῦχος, eunouchos) can also imply a trusted official, indicating his significant role in the Ethiopian court. His voice in this passage signifies the universal call of the Gospel, reaching beyond ethnic and social boundaries.

“Look, here is water
The exclamation "Look" (ἰδού, idou) is an imperative, drawing attention to the immediacy and significance of the moment. It reflects the eunuch's eagerness and readiness to embrace the faith. The presence of water is a divine provision, and the eunuch's recognition of it underscores his understanding and acceptance of the Gospel message. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the transition from hearing the Word to acting upon it through baptism.

What can prevent me from being baptized?”
This question reveals the eunuch's desire for inclusion in the Christian community. The Greek word for "prevent" (κωλύω, kōlyō) suggests an obstacle or hindrance. Historically, eunuchs were often excluded from full participation in religious life, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:1. However, the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends such barriers, offering salvation to all who believe. The eunuch's question is rhetorical, emphasizing the openness of the Gospel and the removal of any barriers to baptism and full inclusion in the body of Christ. This moment is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, breaking down walls and inviting all into the family of God.

(36) They came unto a certain water.--Men have naturally endeavoured to identify the locality. In the time of Jerome, probably in that of Eusebius (de loc.), it was fixed at Bethsura, the Bethzur of 2Chronicles 11:7), about twenty miles from Jerusalem, and two from Hebron. A fountain, now known as Ain-Edh-Dhirweh rises near the town, which retains the old name in the slightly altered form of Beit-Sur. On the other hand, Robinson is inclined to find the spring in the Wady-el-Hasey, between Eleutheropolis and Gaza, not far from the old sites of Lachish and Eglon. This agrees better with the mention of Gaza and with the epithet "desert" as attached to the "way."

Verse 36. - The way for their way, A.V.; saith for said, A.V.; behold for see, A.V. Here is water. "When we were at Tell-el-Hasy, and saw the water standing along the bottom of the adjacent wady, we could not but remark the coincidence of several circumstances with the account of the eunuch's baptism. This water is on the most direct road from Belt Jibrin (Eleutheroplis) to Gaza, on the most southern road from Jerusalem, and in the midst of a country now 'desert,' i.e. without villages or fixed habitations. There is no other similar water on this road" (Robinson,' Bibl. Res.,' vol. it. p. 345). There were three roads from Jerusalem to Gaza, of which the one above described still exists, "and actually passes through the desert" (ibid. p. 514). What doth hinder me to be baptized! This question clearly shows that the doctrine of baptism had formed part of Philip's preaching, as it had of Peter (Acts 2:18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As
Ὡς (Hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

they traveled
ἐπορεύοντο (eporeuonto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

along
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

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

road
ὁδόν (hodon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

[and] came
ἦλθον (ēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

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

some
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

water,
ὕδωρ (hydōr)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.

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

eunuch
εὐνοῦχος (eunouchos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2135: From eune and echo; a castrated person; by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain.

said,
φησιν (phēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

“Look,
Ἰδοὺ (Idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

[here is] water!
ὕδωρ (hydōr)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.

What
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is to prevent
κωλύει (kōlyei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.

me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

[from] being baptized?”
βαπτισθῆναι (baptisthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.


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NT Apostles: Acts 8:36 As they went on the way they (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 8:35
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