The Meaning of Acts 15:10 Explained

Acts 15:10

KJV: Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

YLT: now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Darby: Now therefore why tempt ye God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

ASV: Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Now  therefore  why  tempt ye  God,  to put  a yoke  upon  the neck  of the disciples,  which  neither  our  fathers  nor  we  were able  to bear? 

What does Acts 15:10 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Requiring that Gentiles become Jews before God would save them would test God in that it would question the rightness of His action in giving the Spirit to Cornelius. When a Gentile became a Jewish proselyte, the Jew in charge of the ceremony said the Gentile now took up the yoke of the kingdom of heaven (cf. Matthew 23:4; Galatians 5:1). [1] Peter said this yoke, the Mosaic Covenant, was an obligation that was both unbearable and unnecessary (cf. Matthew 11:29-30).

Context Summary

Acts 15:1-11 - One Way Of Salvation For All
Paul and Barnabas were quietly resting in Antioch after their arduous toils, when these persons from Jerusalem stealthily commenced to undermine their influence. They contended that the way from paganism to Christ must be through Moses. They especially insisted that Gentiles must become Jews by submitting to the initial rite of Judaism. This insidious teaching followed Paul throughout his life, and extracted from him many of the noble arguments and appeals of his epistles. We can easily understand the vehemence with which he protested.
Finally it was determined to submit the question to the judgment of the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The journey thither was a triumphal progress. The story of the seal that God had placed on all the labors of the two missionaries not only filled all hearts with joy, but was the conclusive answer to the Judaizing teachers who were the cause of all the trouble. The first great address at the solemn conclave was by Peter, who quoted his own experience at the house of Cornelius to prove that God at least made no difference between Jew and Gentile. Notice his statement that the believing heart is cleansed by receiving the Holy Spirit, Acts 15:11. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 15

1  Great dissensions arise regarding circumcision
5  The apostles consult about it,
22  and send their determination by letters to the churches
36  Paul and Barnabas, thinking to visit the brothers together,
39  disagree, and travel different ways

Greek Commentary for Acts 15:10

Why tempt ye God? [τι πειραζετε τον τεον]
By implying that God had made a mistake this time, though right about Cornelius. It is a home-thrust. They were refusing to follow the guidance of God like the Israelites at Massah and Meribah (Exodus 17:7; Deuteronomy 6:16; 1 Corinthians 10:9). [source]
That ye should put [επιτειναι]
Second aorist active infinitive of επιτιτημι — epitithēmi epexegetic, explaining the tempting. A yoke upon the neck (ζυγον επι τον τραχηλον — zugon epi ton trachēlon). Familiar image of oxen with yokes upon the necks. Paul‘s very image for the yoke of bondage of the Mosaic law in Galatians 5:1. It had probably been used in the private interview. Cf. the words of Jesus about the Pharisees (Matthew 23:4) and how easy and light his own yoke is (Matthew 11:30). Were able to bear Neither our fathers nor we had strength (ισχυω — ischuō) to carry this yoke which the Judaizers wish to put on the necks of the Gentiles. Peter speaks as the spiritual emancipator. He had been slow to see the meaning of God‘s dealings with him at Joppa and Caesarea, but he has seen clearly by now. He takes his stand boldly with Paul and Barnabas for Gentile freedom. [source]
A yoke upon the neck [ζυγον επι τον τραχηλον]
Familiar image of oxen with yokes upon the necks. Paul‘s very image for the yoke of bondage of the Mosaic law in Galatians 5:1. It had probably been used in the private interview. Cf. the words of Jesus about the Pharisees (Matthew 23:4) and how easy and light his own yoke is (Matthew 11:30). [source]
Were able to bear [ισχυσαμεν βαστασαι]
Neither our fathers nor we had strength (ισχυω — ischuō) to carry this yoke which the Judaizers wish to put on the necks of the Gentiles. Peter speaks as the spiritual emancipator. He had been slow to see the meaning of God‘s dealings with him at Joppa and Caesarea, but he has seen clearly by now. He takes his stand boldly with Paul and Barnabas for Gentile freedom. [source]
Were able [ἰσχύσαμεν]
See on Luke 14:30; and Luke 16:3. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 15:10

John 16:12 But ye cannot bear them now [αλλ ου δυναστε βασταζειν αρτι]
The literal sense of βασταζω — bastazō to bear, occurs in John 12:6. For the figurative as here see Acts 15:10. The untaught cannot get the full benefit of teaching (1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:11-14). The progressive nature of revelation is a necessity. [source]
Galatians 5:1 Yoke [ζυγῷ]
Metaphorical, of a burden or bondage. Comp. Matthew 11:29, Matthew 11:30; Acts 15:10; 1 Timothy 6:1. Similarly lxx, Genesis 27:40; Leviticus 26:13; 2 Chronicles 10:4, 2 Chronicles 10:9, 2 Chronicles 10:10, 2 Chronicles 10:11, 2 Chronicles 10:14. So always in N.T. except Revelation 6:5, where it means a pair of scales. See note, and comp. Leviticus 19:35, Leviticus 19:36; Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 16:11; Hosea 12:7. [source]
Galatians 2:16 Save [εαν μη]
Except. Even we (και ημεις — kai hēmeis). We Jews believed, had to believe, were not saved or justified till we did believe. This very point Peter had made at the Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15:10.). He quotes Psalm 143:2. Paul uses δικαιοσυνη — dikaiosunē in two senses (1) Justification, on the basis of what Christ has done and obtained by faith. Thus we are set right with God. Romans 1-5. (2) Sanctification. Actual goodness as the result of living with and for Christ. Romans 6-8. The same plan exists for Jew and Gentile. [source]
Galatians 2:16 Even we [και ημεις]
We Jews believed, had to believe, were not saved or justified till we did believe. This very point Peter had made at the Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15:10.). He quotes Psalm 143:2. Paul uses δικαιοσυνη — dikaiosunē in two senses (1) Justification, on the basis of what Christ has done and obtained by faith. Thus we are set right with God. Romans 1-5. (2) Sanctification. Actual goodness as the result of living with and for Christ. Romans 6-8. The same plan exists for Jew and Gentile. [source]
Galatians 4:3 We were held in bondage [ημεις ημετα δεδουλωμενοι]
Periphrastic past perfect of δουλοω — douloō to enslave, in a permanent state of bondage. Under the rudiments of the world (υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου — hupo ta stoicheia tou kosmou). Στοιχος — Stoichos is row or rank, a series. So στοιχειον — stoicheion is any first thing in a στοιχος — stoichos like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2 Peter 3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world (κοσμος — kosmos as the orderly material universe as in Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). See note on Matthew 13:38; note on Acts 17:24; note on 1 Corinthians 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came. [source]
Galatians 4:3 Under the rudiments of the world [υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου]
Στοιχος — Stoichos is row or rank, a series. So στοιχειον — stoicheion is any first thing in a στοιχος — stoichos like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2 Peter 3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world See note on Matthew 13:38; note on Acts 17:24; note on 1 Corinthians 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came. [source]
Colossians 2:8 Lest there shall be any one [μη τις εσται]
Negative purpose with the future indicative, though the aorist subjunctive also occurs as in 2 Corinthians 12:6. That maketh spoil of you (ο συλαγωγων — ho sulagōgōn). Articular present active participle of συλαγωγεω — sulagōgeō late and rare (found here first) verb (from συλη — sulē booty, and αγω — agō to lead, to carry), to carry off as booty a captive, slave, maiden. Only here in N.T. Note the singular here. There was some one outstanding leader who was doing most of the damage in leading the people astray. Through his philosophy The only use of the word in the N.T. and employed by Paul because the Gnostics were fond of it. Old word from πιλοσοπος — philosophos Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. Tradition Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
Colossians 2:8 Through his philosophy [δια της πιλοσοπιας]
The only use of the word in the N.T. and employed by Paul because the Gnostics were fond of it. Old word from πιλοσοπος — philosophos Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. Tradition Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
Colossians 2:8 Rudiments [στοιχος]
Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. [source]
Colossians 2:8 Tradition [παραδιδωμι]
Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
1 Timothy 6:1 As many servants as are under the yoke [ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι]
Incorrect. Rather, as many as are under the yoke as bondservants. As bondservants is added in explanation of under the yoke, which implies a hard and disagreeable condition. Yoke is used only here of the state of slavery. In Galatians 5:1; Acts 15:10, of the Mosaic law. See on Matthew 11:29. [source]
Hebrews 9:10 Imposed [ἐπικείμενα]
Some interpreters find in this the suggestion of a burden, which these ceremonial observances assuredly were. Comp. Acts 15:10. This, however, is not probable. [source]
Hebrews 11:8 When he was called to go out - obeyed [καλούμενος ἐξελθεῖν ὑπήκουσεν]
A.V. is wrong. Ἐξελθεῖν togo out should be construed with ὑπήκουσεν obeyedand καλούμενος beingcalled is to be taken absolutely. Καλούμενος , the present participle, indicates Abraham's immediate obedience to the call: while he was yet being called. Rend. “when he was called obeyed to go out.” The infinitive explains the more general obeyed, by specifying that in which his obedience was shown. For the construction, see Acts 15:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 5:5. For the narrative, see Genesis 12:1-6, and comp. Acts 7:2-5. [source]
Revelation 6:5 Pair of balances [ζυγὸν]
Rev., a balance. Properly, anything which joins two bodies; hence a yoke (Matthew 11:29; Acts 15:10). The cross-beam of the loom, to which the warp was fixed; the thwarts joining the opposite sides of a ship; the beam of the balance, and hence the balance itself. The judgment of this seal is scarcity, of which the balance is a symbol, representing the time when food is doled out by weight. See Leviticus 26:26; Ezekiel 4:16. [source]
Revelation 6:5 Had [εχων]
Literally, a yoke (old word from ζευγνυμι — zeugnumi to join), of slavery (Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1), of teaching (Matthew 11:29), of weight or measure like a pair of scales evenly balancing as here (Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 45:10). The rider of this black horse, like the spectral figure of hunger, carries in his hand a pair of scales. This is also one of the fruits of war. [source]
Revelation 6:5 A balance [ζυγον]
Literally, a yoke (old word from ζευγνυμι — zeugnumi to join), of slavery (Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1), of teaching (Matthew 11:29), of weight or measure like a pair of scales evenly balancing as here (Ezekiel 5:1; Ezekiel 45:10). The rider of this black horse, like the spectral figure of hunger, carries in his hand a pair of scales. This is also one of the fruits of war. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 15:10 mean?

Now therefore why are you testing - God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples that neither the fathers of us nor we have been able to bear
Νῦν οὖν τί πειράζετε τὸν Θεόν ἐπιθεῖναι ζυγὸν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τῶν μαθητῶν ὃν οὔτε οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν οὔτε ἡμεῖς ἰσχύσαμεν βαστάσαι

Νῦν  Now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νῦν  
Sense: at this time, the present, now.
τί  why 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: τίς  
Sense: who, which, what.
πειράζετε  are  you  testing 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: πειράζω  
Sense: to try whether a thing can be done.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεόν  God 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἐπιθεῖναι  to  put 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: ἐπιτίθημι  
Sense: in the active voice.
ζυγὸν  a  yoke 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ζυγός  
Sense: a yoke.
ἐπὶ  upon 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
τράχηλον  neck 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: τράχηλος  
Sense: to be ready to incur the most imminent peril to life.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μαθητῶν  disciples 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: μαθητής  
Sense: a learner, pupil, disciple.
ὃν  that 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
οὔτε  neither 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: οὔτε  
Sense: neither, and not.
πατέρες  fathers 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
ἡμῶν  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
οὔτε  nor 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: οὔτε  
Sense: neither, and not.
ἰσχύσαμεν  have  been  able 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: ἰσχύω  
Sense: to be strong.
βαστάσαι  to  bear 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: βαστάζω  
Sense: to take up with the hands.