Acts 20:24

Linguistic Bible Translation from Source Texts

'But I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus—to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.'

📖 Grammatical Analysis

Original Text

Ἀλλʼ οὐδενὸς λόγον ποιοῦμαι, οὐδὲ ἔχω τὴν ψυχήν μου τιμίαν ἐμαυτῷ, ὡς τελειῶσαι τὸν δρόμον μου μετὰ χαρᾶς, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, ἣν ἔλαβον παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, διαμαρτύρασθαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Transliteration

But of-nothing logon poioumai, nor echō the psychēn of-me timian to-myself, so-as teleiōsai the dromon of-me with charas, and the diakonian, which elabon from the Kyriou Iēsou, diamartyrasthai the euangelion of-the charitos of-the Theou.

Grammar Details

• *logon*: accusative, masculine, singular - account/reckoning
• *poioumai*: present indicative, middle, 1st person singular - I make/consider
• *echō*: present indicative, active, 1st person singular - I hold/have
• *psychēn*: accusative, feminine, singular - life/soul
• *timian*: accusative, feminine, singular - precious/valuable
• *teleiōsai*: aorist infinitive, active - to complete
• *dromon*: accusative, masculine, singular - course/race
• *charas*: genitive, feminine, singular - of joy
• *diakonian*: accusative, feminine, singular - ministry/service
• *elabon*: aorist indicative, active, 1st person singular - I received
• *Kyriou*: genitive, masculine, singular - of Lord
• *Iēsou*: genitive, masculine, singular - of Jesus
• *diamartyrasthai*: aorist infinitive, middle - to testify solemnly
• *euangelion*: accusative, neuter, singular - gospel/good news
• *charitos*: genitive, feminine, singular - of grace
• *Theou*: genitive, masculine, singular - of God

Word Meanings

• *logon*: account/reckoning/esteem
• *poioumai*: I make/consider/regard
• *psychēn*: life/soul
• *timian*: precious/valuable/dear
• *teleiōsai*: to complete/finish/accomplish
• *dromon*: course/race/career
• *charas*: joy/gladness
• *diakonian*: ministry/service/office
• *elabon*: I received/got/took
• *diamartyrasthai*: to testify solemnly/witness earnestly
• *euangelion*: gospel/good news
• *charitos*: grace/favor
• *Theou*: God/deity

Other Translations

• King James Version 1769 (Standard Version)

  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the gre of God.

• KJV1611 – Modern English

  But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

• King James Version 1611 (Original)

  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

• American Standard Version with Strong's Numbers

  But{G235} I{G2192} hold not{G3762} my{G3450} life{G5590} of any account as dear{G5093} unto myself,{G1683} so{G5613} that I may accomplish{G5048} my{G3450} course,{G1408} and{G2532} the ministry{G1248} which{G3739} I received{G2983} from the Lord{G2962} Jesus,{G2424} to testify{G1263} the gospel{G2098} of{G3844} the grace{G5485} of God.{G2316}

• King James Version with Strong's Numbers

  But{G235} none{G3762} of these things{G3056} move me{G4160}{(G5731)}, neither{G3761} count I{G2192}{(G5719)} my{G3450} life{G5590} dear{G5093} unto myself{G1683}, so{G5613} that I might finish{G5048}{(G5658)} my{G3450} course{G1408} with{G3326} joy{G5479}, and{G2532} the ministry{G1248}, which{G3739} I have received{G2983}{(G5627)} of{G3844} the Lord{G2962} Jesus{G2424}, to testify{G1263}{(G5664)} the gospel{G2098} of the grace{G5485} of God{G2316}.

• Tyndale Bible (1526/1534)

  But none of tho thinges move me: nether is my lyfe dere vnto my selfe that I myght fulfill my course wt ioye and the ministracio which I have receaved of ye Lorde Iesu to testify the gospell of ye grace of god.

• Coverdale Bible (1535)

  But I regarde none of them, nether counte I my life dearer then my selfe, that I maye fulfyll my course with ioye, and the office yt I haue receaued of the LORDE Iesu, to testifye the Gospell of the grace of God.

• Geneva Bible (1560)

  But I passe not at all, neither is my life deare vnto my selfe, so that I may fulfill my course with ioye, and the ministration which I haue receiued of the Lorde Iesus, to testifie the Gospell of the grace of God.

• Bishops' Bible (1568)

  But none of these thynges moue me, neither is my lyfe deare vnto my selfe, so that I myght fulfyll my course with ioy, and the ministerie whiche I haue receaued of the Lorde Iesu, to testifie the Gospell of the grace of God.

• Authorized King James Version (1611)

  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

• Webster's Bible (1833)

  But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.

• Young's Literal Translation (1862/1898)

  but I make account of none of these, neither do I count my life precious to myself, so that I finish my course with joy, and the ministration that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify fully the good news of the grace of God.

• American Standard Version (1901)

  But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

• American Standard Version (1901)

  But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

• Bible in Basic English (1941)

  But I put no value on my life, if only at the end of it I may see the work complete which was given to me by the Lord Jesus, to be a witness of the good news of the grace of God.

• World English Bible (2000)

  But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.

• NET Bible® (New English Translation)

  But I do not consider my life worth anything to myself, so that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.

Referenced Verses

• Acts 21:13 : 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
• Acts 1:17 : 17 He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.
• Acts 20:21 : 21 'I testified both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.'
• Gal 1:1 : 1 Paul, an apostle—not sent from men or by human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead—
• 2 Cor 4:1 : 1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we were shown mercy, we do not lose heart.
• Titus 1:3 : 3 At the proper time, He revealed His word through preaching, which I was entrusted with by the command of God our Savior.
• Acts 20:32 : 32 And now, I entrust you, brothers, to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.
• Acts 9:15 : 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for this man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel.
• Acts 11:23 : 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts.
• Acts 14:3 : 3 So Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a considerable time, speaking boldly in reliance on the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.
• Acts 22:21 : 21 Then He said to me, 'Go, because I am sending you far away to the Gentiles.'
• Acts 26:17-18 : 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
• Rom 3:24-26 : 24 And all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins previously committed. 26 He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
• 2 Tim 4:6-8 : 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
• 1 Pet 5:12 : 12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
• 1 John 3:16 : 16 This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
• Rev 12:11 : 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
• 2 Tim 4:17 : 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully made and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.
• Rom 4:4 : 4 Now to the one who works, wages are not counted as a gift but as an obligation.
• Rom 5:20-21 : 20 Now the law was brought in so that the trespass might increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more. 21 So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Rom 8:35-39 : 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: 'For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither powers, neither things present nor things to come, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• Rom 11:6 : 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer based on works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
• 1 Cor 9:17-18 : 17 If I do this willingly, I have a reward. But if unwillingly, I am simply entrusted with a responsibility. 18 What then is my reward? It is that when I preach the gospel, I may offer it free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
• 1 Cor 9:24-27 : 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we do it to receive an imperishable one. 26 Therefore, I run with purpose in every step; I fight not like someone beating the air. 27 Rather, I discipline my body and bring it under control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
• 1 Cor 15:58 : 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
• Luke 2:10-11 : 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that is for all the people. 11 Today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
• John 15:27 : 27 And you also must testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
• John 17:4 : 4 I have glorified You on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.
• Titus 2:11 : 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.
• Titus 3:4-7 : 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
• Heb 2:3-4 : 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first declared by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. 4 God also bore witness with signs and wonders and various miracles, and by distributions of the Holy Spirit according to His will.
• Heb 10:34 : 34 For you sympathized with those in prison and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, knowing that you have a better and lasting possession in heaven.
• Heb 12:1-3 : 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set before us. 2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
• 2 Cor 4:8-9 : 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
• 2 Cor 4:16-18 : 16 Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary and light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
• 2 Cor 5:8 : 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
• 2 Cor 6:4-9 : 4 Instead, in everything we commend ourselves as God’s servants: in great endurance, in sufferings, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in sleepless nights, in hunger; 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love; 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as deceivers, yet truthful; 9 as unknown, yet well-known; as dying, yet behold, we live; as disciplined, but not put to death; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
• 2 Cor 7:4 : 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our afflictions.
• 2 Cor 12:10 : 10 Therefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
• Eph 1:6 : 6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved.
• Eph 2:4-9 : 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 made us alive together with Christ, even when we were dead in our transgressions—by grace you have been saved. 6 And He raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 7 So that in the coming ages He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we might walk in them.
• Eph 3:13 : 13 Therefore, I ask you not to lose heart over my sufferings for you, which are for your glory.
• Phil 1:20-23 : 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed in anything, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful labor for me. Yet I do not know what I shall choose. 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better;
• Phil 2:17 : 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
• Phil 3:13-15 : 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let all of us who are mature think this way. And if in anything you think differently, that too God will reveal to you.
• Col 1:24 : 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
• 1 Thess 2:2 : 2 Despite suffering and being mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to proclaim to you the gospel of God while facing intense opposition.
• 1 Thess 3:3 : 3 So that no one would be unsettled by these troubles. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
• 2 Tim 1:12 : 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
• 2 Tim 3:11 : 11 You know my persecutions and sufferings—what happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—the persecutions I endured. But the Lord delivered me from all of them.