Acts 26:7
New International Version
This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.

New Living Translation
In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope!

English Standard Version
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!

Berean Standard Bible
the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.

Berean Literal Bible
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, serving in earnestness night and day, the hope concerning which I am accused by the Jews, O king.

King James Bible
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

New King James Version
To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

New American Standard Bible
the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. For this hope, O king, I am being accused by Jews.

NASB 1995
the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews.

NASB 1977
the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews.

Legacy Standard Bible
the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews.

Amplified Bible
Which hope [of the Messiah and the resurrection] our twelve tribes [confidently] expect to realize as they serve and worship God in earnest night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews!

Christian Standard Bible
the promise our twelve tribes hope to reach as they earnestly serve him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the promise our 12 tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve Him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope.

American Standard Version
unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!

Contemporary English Version
Day and night our twelve tribes have earnestly served God, waiting for his promised blessings. King Agrippa, because of this hope, some of our leaders have brought charges against me.

English Revised Version
unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Our twelve tribes expect this promise to be kept as they worship with intense devotion day and night. Your Majesty, the Jews are making accusations against me because I expect God to keep his promise.

Good News Translation
the very thing that the twelve tribes of our people hope to receive, as they worship God day and night. And it is because of this hope, Your Majesty, that I am being accused by these Jews!

International Standard Version
Our twelve tribes, worshiping day and night with intense devotion, hope to attain it. It is because of this hope, O King, that I am accused by the Jews.

Majority Standard Bible
the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king Agrippa, that I am accused by the Jews.

NET Bible
a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me, Your Majesty!

New Heart English Bible
which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O King.

Webster's Bible Translation
To which promise our twelve tribes, assiduously serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

Weymouth New Testament
the promise which our twelve tribes, worshipping day and night with intense devotedness, hope to have made good to them. It is on the subject of this hope, Sir, that I am accused by the Jews.

World English Bible
which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to which our twelve tribes, intently serving night and day, hope to come, concerning which hope I am accused, King Agrippa, by the Jews;

Berean Literal Bible
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, serving in earnestness night and day, the hope concerning which I am accused by the Jews, O king.

Young's Literal Translation
to which our twelve tribes, intently night and day serving, do hope to come, concerning which hope I am accused, king Agrippa, by the Jews;

Smith's Literal Translation
To which our twelve tribes, serving night and day, hope to arrive. For which hope I am accused, king Agrippa, by the Jews.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto which, our twelve tribes, serving night and day, hope to come. For which hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is the Promise that our twelve tribes, worshiping night and day, hope to see. About this hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.

New American Bible
Our twelve tribes hope to attain to that promise as they fervently worship God day and night; and on account of this hope I am accused by Jews, O king.

New Revised Standard Version
a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is to the fulfillment of this hope that our twelve tribes expect to come, by means of earnest prayers day and night. And for this very hope’s sake, I am accused by the Jews, O King A-grip’pa.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For to this hope our twelve tribes hope to arrive by diligent prayer by day and night. It is for this hope I am accused by the agency of the Jews, King Agrippa.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
to which promise our twelve tribes, zealously serving night and day, hope to come: on account of which hope, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

Godbey New Testament
unto which our twelve tribes constantly worshiping night and day, hope to attain: concerning which hope I am accused by the Jews, O king.

Haweis New Testament
which promise our twelve tribes, with fervour night and day worshipping God, hope to attain. For which hope, king Agrippa, I am criminated by the Jews.

Mace New Testament
which our twelve tribes by their continual services, night and day, hope themselves to obtain: yet for that hope, king Agrippa, do the Jews now accuse me.

Weymouth New Testament
the promise which our twelve tribes, worshipping day and night with intense devotedness, hope to have made good to them. It is on the subject of this hope, Sir, that I am accused by the Jews.

Worrell New Testament
unto which promise our twelve-tribed nation, earnestly serving day and night, is hoping to attain; concerning which hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews.

Worsley New Testament
to which promise our twelve tribes, worshipping continually night and day, hope to attain: concerning which hope, O king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Testimony to Agrippa
6And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, 7the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. 8Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?…

Cross References
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.

Romans 9:4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

Philippians 3:5-6
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.

Hebrews 11:13
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, / and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. / Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

1 Peter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, / and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, / who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Thessalonians 2:19
After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?

Revelation 7:4-8
And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: / From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, / from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, ...

Genesis 49:28
These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this was what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing.

Exodus 24:4
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Deuteronomy 33:1-5
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death. / He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand. / Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words— ...

1 Kings 18:31
And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.”

2 Kings 17:34
To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.


Treasury of Scripture

To which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

our.

Ezra 6:17
And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

Ezra 8:35
Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.

Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

instantly.

Acts 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Psalm 134:1,2
A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD…

Psalm 135:2
Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,

day and night.

Luke 2:25,38
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him…

Luke 7:19,20
And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? …

Philippians 3:11
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

For.

Acts 26:6
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Jump to Previous
Accused Agrippa Arrive Attacked Attain Connection Earnestly Effecting Good Hearts Hope Hoping Incessantly Instantly Intense Intently Jews Night Promise Sake Serve Serving Sir Subject Tribes Twelve Whole Working Worshipping
Jump to Next
Accused Agrippa Arrive Attacked Attain Connection Earnestly Effecting Good Hearts Hope Hoping Incessantly Instantly Intense Intently Jews Night Promise Sake Serve Serving Sir Subject Tribes Twelve Whole Working Worshipping
Acts 26
1. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;
12. and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.
24. Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.
28. Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.
31. The whole company pronounces him innocent.














the promise
The Greek word for "promise" is "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia), which signifies a divine assurance of good. In the context of Acts 26:7, this promise refers to the Messianic hope and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. This promise is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God made covenants with the patriarchs, promising a Savior and a kingdom. The promise is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes the faith and actions of believers.

our twelve tribes
The phrase "our twelve tribes" refers to the entirety of the nation of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Historically, these tribes represent the unity and diversity of God's chosen people. Despite the dispersion and historical challenges, the twelve tribes symbolize the collective hope and identity of Israel. This reference underscores the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting that the promise is for all of Israel.

are hoping to realize
The Greek word for "hoping" is "ἐλπίζω" (elpizō), which conveys a confident expectation. This hope is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on God's faithfulness. The realization of this hope is the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. The hope of the twelve tribes is deeply eschatological, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises in history.

as they earnestly serve God
The phrase "earnestly serve" comes from the Greek "λατρεύω" (latreuō), meaning to worship or serve with devotion. This service is not merely ritualistic but involves a heartfelt commitment to God. The tribes' service is characterized by diligence and sincerity, reflecting their deep-seated faith and anticipation of God's promises. This service is both a response to God's past faithfulness and a preparation for His future fulfillment.

day and night
The expression "day and night" emphasizes the continuous and unwavering nature of the tribes' devotion. It reflects a lifestyle of persistent faith and dedication, reminiscent of the psalmist's meditation on God's law day and night (Psalm 1:2). This phrase underscores the totality of their commitment, indicating that their hope in God's promise permeates every aspect of their lives.

It is because of this hope
The hope mentioned here is central to Paul's defense. It is the hope of the resurrection and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. This hope is not only a personal conviction but a shared belief with the Jewish people, though they differ in recognizing its fulfillment in Jesus. Paul's proclamation of this hope is what leads to his accusation and trial.

O King
Addressing King Agrippa, Paul shows respect and acknowledges the king's authority. This respectful address is part of Paul's rhetorical strategy to engage Agrippa's attention and present his case effectively. It also reflects the early Christians' approach to authority, balancing respect with boldness in proclaiming the truth.

that I am accused by the Jews
Paul's accusation by the Jews is rooted in his preaching of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic hope. This accusation highlights the tension between the early Christian movement and traditional Jewish beliefs. Paul's message challenges the established religious norms, leading to opposition and persecution. Yet, it is this very hope that Paul is committed to proclaiming, regardless of the consequences.

(7) Our twelve tribes.--The noun is strictly a neuter adjective: our twelve-tribed nation. It will be noted that St. Paul, like St. James (James 1:1), assumes the twelve tribes to be all alike sharers in the same hope of Israel, and ignores the legend, so often repeated and revived, that the ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel, after they had been carried away by Salmaneser, had wandered far away, and were to be found, under some strange disguise, in far-off regions of the world. The earliest appearance of the fable is in the apocryphal. 2 Esdras 13:40-46, where they are said to have gone to "a country where never man kind dwelt, that they might there keep the statutes which they never kept in their own land." The Apostle, on the contrary, represents the whole body of the twelve tribes as alike serving God (with the special service of worship) day and night, and speaks as accused because he had announced that the promise of God to their fathers had been fulfilled to them.

Verse 7. - Earnestly for instantly, A.V.; might and day for day and night, A.V.; attain for come, A.V.; and concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O King! for for which hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews, A.V. and T.R. Our twelve tribes. Δωδεκάφυλον only occurs here, in the Sibylline oracles, and in the prot-evangel. Jacob., 3, and in Clement's 1 Corinthians 55, but is formed, after the analogy of such words as δωδεκαετής δωδεκάμοιρος δωδεκάμηνος τετράφυλος δεκάφυλος (Herod., 5:66), and the like. The idea of the twelve tribes of Israel is part of the essential conception of the Israel of God. So our Lord (Matthew 19:28; James 1:1; Revelation 7:4, etc.). St. Paul felt and spoke like a thorough Israelite. Earnestly; ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ, only here and in 2 Macc. 14:38 (where Razis is said to have risked his body and his life for the religion of the Jews, μετᾶ πάσης ἐκτενίας, "with all vehemence," A.V.), and Jud. 4:9, where the phrase, ἐν ἐκτενίᾳ μεγάλῃ, "with great vehemency," "with great fervency," A.V., occurs twice, applied to prayer and to self-humiliation. The adjective ἐκτενής occurs in Acts 12:5; Luke 22:44; 1 Peter 4:8; and ἐκτενῶς in 1 Peter 1:22. Serving (λατρεῦον); i.e. serving with worship, prayers, sacrifices and the like. The allusion is to the temple service, with its worship by night and by day (comp. Psalm 134:1; 1 Chronicles 9:33).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

twelve tribes
δωδεκάφυλον (dōdekaphylon)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1429: The Twelve Tribes (of Israel). From dodeka and phule; the commonwealth of Israel.

are hoping
ἐλπίζει (elpizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1679: To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide.

to realize
καταντῆσαι (katantēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2658: From kata and a derivative of anti; to meet against, i.e. Arrive at.

as they earnestly serve [ God ]
λατρεῦον (latreuon)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3000: To serve, especially God, perhaps simply: I worship. From latris; to minister, i.e. Render religious homage.

day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

night.
νύκτα (nykta)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3571: The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'.

[It is] because of
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

[this]
ἧς (hēs)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

hope,
ἐλπίδος (elpidos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.

O king,
βασιλεῦ (basileu)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

[that] I am accused
ἐγκαλοῦμαι (enkaloumai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1458: To bring a charge against, accuse. From en and kaleo; to call in, i.e. Bring to account.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

the Jews.
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.


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NT Apostles: Acts 26:7 Which our twelve tribes earnestly serving night (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 26:6
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