Acts 8:23

“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of unrighteousness.””
Acts 8:23 · direct translation from the Greek

With the Greek beneath

ForγὰρI seeὁρῶthat youσεareὄνταinεἰςthe gallχολὴνof bitternessπικρίαςandκαὶthe bondσύνδεσμονof unrighteousness.”ἀδικίας

Both texts join “gall” and “bitterness”: Acts 8:23 and Deuteronomy 29:18 in the Septuagint.

They share words that are rare in the original, without a quotation.

Words of the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the OT (Deuteronomy 29:18 in the Septuagint numbering; Swete's text, CC BY-SA 4.0):

I seeὁρῶhorō

see

To perceive with sight, to look and notice what is in front.

areὄνταonta

be present

To be in a place or with someone.

the gallχολὴνcholēn

gall

Gall, something very bitter.

of bitternessπικρίαςpikrias

bitterness

Bitterness; also resentment.

the bondσύνδεσμονsyndesmon

bond

Bond: what binds or holds together.

of unrighteousnessἀδικίαςadikias

unrighteousness

Injustice, unrighteousness.

“Gall of bitterness” recalls Deuteronomy 29:18: the poisonous root that turns away from God.

22So change your mind and turn from this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord if perhaps the intent of your heart will be forgiven you.

23 · This verse (above)

24And Simon answered and said, “You pray for me to the Lord, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

1. What it says
What is the Ethiopian eunuch reading in his chariot, and what does Philip do when he approaches? (vv. 27-35)
2. What it means
The eunuch asks whom the prophet is speaking about and admits he needs a guide. Why is it valuable to ask? (vv. 30-34)
3. How I live it
Who has helped you understand something difficult? How can you explain patiently to someone who asks you?