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The Holy Bible, Berean Study Bible

Acts 12:20

Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king's country for food.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Blastus;   Caesarea;   Chamberlain;   Diplomacy;   Herod;   Influence;   Jerusalem;   Self-Exaltation;   Sidon;   Tyre;   Thompson Chain Reference - Agrippa;   Chamberlains;   Herods of the New Testament;   Tyre;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Galilee;   Sidonians, the;   Tyre;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Blastus;   Caesarea;   Herod;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Galilee;   Herod;   Judea;   Phoenicia;   Rome;   Tyre;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Bernice;   Blastus;   Chamberlain;   Drusilla;   Tyre;   Wheat;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Blastus;   Caesarea;   Chamberlain;   Commerce;   Hiram;   Nebuchadnezzar;   Phoenice;   Tyre;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Acts;   Blastus;   Caesarea;   Herod;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Alliance;   Blastus;   Caesarea;   Chamberlain;   Chronology of the New Testament;   Herod;   Mark, Gospel According to;   Ships and Boats;   Tyre;   Zidon;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Arts;   Blastus;   Chamberlain;   Friends Friendship;   Games;   House;   Josephus;   Paul;   Retribution (2);   Sidon ;   Wheat;   Wheat ;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Blastus ;   Chamberlain;   Herod, Family of;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Caesarea;   Chamberlain;   Zidon;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Blas'tus;   Chamberlain,;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Acts of the Apostles;   Blastus;   Chamberlain;   Claudius;   Galilee;   Herod;   Nourish;   Phoenicia;   Sidon (2);   Tyre;   Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia - Blastus;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Agriculture;   Chamberlain;   Wheat;  

Parallel Translations

Simplified Cowboy Version
Now Herod wasn't none too happy with the towns of Tyre and Sidon. These cities sent some representatives to the king to try to make amends. These cities were very dependent on Herod for food. These reps got in good with Herod's personal assistant, Blastus.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king's country.
Legacy Standard Bible
Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king's country.
Bible in Basic English
Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon: and they came to him, all together, and having made friends with Blastus, the controller of the king's house, they made a request for peace, because their country was dependent on the king's country for its food.
Darby Translation
And he was in bitter hostility with [the] Tyrians and Sidonians; but they came to him with one accord, and, having gained Blastus the king's chamberlain, sought peace, because their country was nourished by the king's.
New King James Version
Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.
Christian Standard Bible®
He had been very angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians. Together they presented themselves before him. They won over Blastus, who was in charge of the king's bedroom, and through him they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food from the king's country.
World English Bible
Now Herod was highly displeased with those of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king's chamberlain, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
And he was highly incensed against them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and having gained Blastus, the king's chamberlain, sued for peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
Weymouth's New Testament
Now the people of Tyre and Sidon had incurred Herod's violent displeasure. So they sent a large deputation to wait on him; and having secured the good will of Blastus, his treasurer, they begged the king to be friendly with them again, because their country was dependent on his for its food supply.
King James Version (1611)
And Herode was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and hauing made Blastus the kings chamberlaine their friend, desired peace, because their countrey was nourished by the kings countrey.
Literal Translation
And Herod was in bitter hostility with the Tyrians and Sidonians. But with one passion they came to him. And persuading Blastus, the one over the king's bedroom, they begged peace,because their country was fed from the royal
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
But he was displeased with the of Tyre and Sido. Neuertheles they came vnto him with one accorde, and made intercession to Blastus the kynges chamberlayne, and desyred peace, because their countre was norished by the kynges londe.
Mace New Testament (1729)
Herod was then making warlike preparations against the Tyrians, and Sidonians: but they unanimously sent a deputation to court: where having gain'd Blastus the king's chamberlain, they brought matters to an accommodation: for their country was subsisted by the king's territorys.
THE MESSAGE
But things went from bad to worse for Herod. Now people from Tyre and Sidon put him on the warpath. But they got Blastus, King Herod's right-hand man, to put in a good word for them and got a delegation together to iron things out. Because they were dependent on Judea for food supplies, they couldn't afford to let this go on too long. On the day set for their meeting, Herod, robed in pomposity, took his place on the throne and regaled them with a lot of hot air. The people played their part to the hilt and shouted flatteries: "The voice of God! The voice of God!"
Amplified Bible
Now Herod [Agrippa I] was extremely angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and their delegates came to him in a united group, and after persuading Blastus, the king's chamberlain [to support their cause], they asked for peace, because their country was fed by [imports of grain and other goods from] the king's country.
American Standard Version
Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's country.
Revised Standard Version
Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and they came to him in a body, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Herode was displeased with them of Tyre and Sydon. And they came all at once and made intercession vnto Blastus the kynges chamberlen and desyred peace because their countrey was norysshed by the kynges londe.
Update Bible Version
Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's country.
Webster's Bible Translation
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon. But they came with one accord to him, and having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace, because their country was nourished by the king's [country].
Young's Literal Translation
And Herod was highly displeased with the Tyrians and Sidonians, and with one accord they came unto him, and having made a friend of Blastus, who [is] over the bed-chambers of the king, they were asking peace, because of their country being nourished from the king's;
New Century Version
Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, but the people of those cities all came in a group to him. After convincing Blastus, the king's personal servant, to be on their side, they asked Herod for peace, because their country got its food from his country.
New English Translation
Now Herod was having an angry quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they joined together and presented themselves before him. And after convincing Blastus, the king's personal assistant, to help them, they asked for peace, because their country's food supply was provided by the king's country.
Contemporary English Version
Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon were very angry with each other. But their country got its food supply from the region that he ruled. So a group of them went to see Blastus, who was one of Herod's high officials. They convinced Blastus that they wanted to make peace between their cities and Herod,
Complete Jewish Bible
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tzor and Tzidon, so they joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, the king's chief personal servant, they asked for peace; because they depended on the king's lands for their food supply.
English Standard Version
Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Then Herod was angrie with them of Tyrus and Sidon, but they came all with one accord vnto him, and perswaded Blastus the Kings Chamberlaine, and they desired peace, because their countrey was nourished by the Kings land.
George Lamsa Translation
Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, but they assembled together and came to him, and they appealed to Blas''tus, the king''s chamberlain, and asked him that they might have peace, because their country was dependent upon the kingdom of Herod for food supplies.
Hebrew Names Version
Now Herod was highly displeased with those of Tzor and Tzidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king's chamberlain, their friend, they asked for shalom, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
International Standard Version
Now Herod had a violent quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him as a group. After they had won over Blastus, who took care of the king's bedroom, they asked for peace because their country depended on the king's country for food.1 Kings 5:9,11; Ezekiel 27:17;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
And because he was angry with the Tsuroyee and with the Tsaidonoyee, they gathered together and came to him by persuasion of Blestos the chamberlain of the king, and prayed of him that peace should be to them, because the sustenance of their country was from the kingdom of Herodes.
Murdock Translation
And because he was angry against the Tyrians and Sidonians, they assembled and came to him in a body; and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they begged of him that they might have peace; because the supplies of their country were derived from the kingdom of Herod.
New Living Translation
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod's country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod's personal assistant,
New Life Bible
Herod was very angry with the people of the cities of Tyre and Sidon. They went to him and asked for peace to be made between them and the king. They asked this because their country got food from the king's country. The people made friends with Blastus, the king's helper.
English Revised Version
Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's country.
New Revised Standard
Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Now he was bitterly hostile to them of Tyre and Zidon; but, with one accord, they came unto him, and, persuading Blastus, who was over the bed-chamber of the king, they were suing for peace; because their country was fed by the king's,
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he was angry with the Tyrians and the Sidonians. But they with one accord came to him: and, having gained Blastus who was the king’s chamberlain, they desired peace, because their countries were nourished by him.
King James Version
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
Lexham English Bible
Now he was very angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians. So they came to him with one purpose, and after persuading Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country was supported with food from the king's country.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And Herode was displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: But they came all with one accorde to hym, and made intercession vnto Blastus the kynges chaumberlayne, and desired peace, because their countrey was norisshed by the kyng.
Easy-to-Read Version
Herod was very angry with the people from the cities of Tyre and Sidon. But these cities needed food from his country, so a group of them came to ask him for peace. They were able to get Blastus, the king's personal servant, on their side.
New American Standard Bible
Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one mind they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was supported with grain from the king's country.
Good News Translation
Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, so they went in a group to see him. First they convinced Blastus, the man in charge of the palace, that he should help them. Then they went to Herod and asked him for peace, because their country got its food supplies from the king's country.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And he was wroth to men of Tyre and of Sidon. And thei of oon acord camen to hym, whanne thei hadden counseilid with Bastus, that was the kingis chaumbirleyn, thei axiden pees, for as myche that her cuntrees weren vitailid of hym.

Contextual Overview

20Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king's country for food.21On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. 22And they began to shout, "This is the voice of a god, not a man!" 23Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24But the word of God continued to spread and multiply. 25When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

was highly displeased: or, bare an hostile mind intending war

Tyre: Genesis 10:15, Genesis 10:19, Joshua 19:29, Isaiah 23:1-4, Matthew 11:21, Matthew 11:22

but: Proverbs 17:14, Proverbs 20:18, Proverbs 25:8, Ecclesiastes 10:4, Isaiah 27:4, Isaiah 27:5, Luke 14:31, Luke 14:32

the king's chamberlain: Gr. that was over the king's bed-chamber

because: 1 Kings 5:9-11, 2 Chronicles 2:10, 2 Chronicles 2:15, Ezra 3:7, Ezekiel 27:17, Hosea 2:8, Hosea 2:9, Amos 4:6-9, Haggai 1:8-11, Haggai 2:16, Haggai 2:17, Luke 16:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 40:2 - wroth 2 Kings 9:32 - eunuchs Esther 4:8 - to make supplication Psalms 49:18 - praise Proverbs 16:14 - but Acts 21:3 - Tyre Acts 27:3 - Sidon Galatians 1:10 - persuade Galatians 3:20 - a mediator is

Cross-References

Genesis 12:6
Abram traveled through the land to the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land.
Genesis 12:11
As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman,
Genesis 12:14
So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
Genesis 12:15
When Pharaoh's officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.
Exodus 18:27
Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.
Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon,.... Two cities on the sea coast, in the land of Phoenicia; with the inhabitants of which Herod was so enraged, that though he had not declared war against them, yet he had meditated it in his mind, and intended to do it at a proper time: what gave him this offence is not certain; that it should be for entertaining and concealing of Peter, when he made his escape, is without any foundation; and nothing but this following on that account, could ever occasion such a thought:

but they came with one accord to him; the ambassadors from both cities united in an address to him, and joined in ways and means to reconcile him to them:

and having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend; not merely by arguments, entreaties, and good works, but very likely by gifts, by making presents to him: persons in such an office had usually very great interest in the princes they served q, as Blastus doubtless had with Herod; Commodus the emperor did every thing at the instances of his chamberlains, and so other princes; for these officers had access when others could not, the king's bedchamber next to sacred; and therefore the Tyrians and Sidonians privately applied to him first:

desired peace; either of Herod himself, to whom, by the means of Blastus, they were introduced; and in their address to him, entreated he would forgive the offence, and be at peace with them; or else of Blastus, whom by some means or another they made their friend; and therefore entreated of him, that he would use his interest with the king, and procure peace for them: and this sense the Arabic version inclines to, which renders the words thus, "and they prayed him that he would take care of reconciliation and peace"; though the former seems to be the true sense: "because their country was nourished by the king's country". These cities were seaports, and the inhabitants of them were much concerned in sending ships to sea, and in merchandise; and it was in Judea and Galilee, which were under Herod's jurisdiction, where they vented the goods they imported, and from whence they were supplied with wheat, honey, and oil, both for their own use, and perhaps to export abroad; see 1 Kings 5:1

Ezekiel 27:3, &c. And it looks as if Herod had forbid all commerce with them, which if it had been continued, would have been the ruin of them.

q Vid. Pignorium de servis, p. 480, 481. Popmam de operis Servorum, p. 33. & Alstorph. de Lectis veterum, c. 12. p. 63.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

And Herod was highly displeased ... - Greek: “bore a hostile mind,” intending war. See the margin. The Greek word θυμομαχῶν thumomachōn does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means to meditate war; to purpose war in the mind; or here, probably, to be enraged or angry at them. What was the cause of this hostility to the people of Tyre and Sidon is not mentioned, and conjecture is useless. It is not at all inconsistent, however, with the well known character of Herod. It was probably from some cause relating to commerce. Tyre and Sidon were under the Roman power, and had some shadow of liberty (Grotius), and it is probable that they might have embarrassed Herod in some of his regulations respecting commerce.

Tyre and Sidon - See the notes on Matthew 11:21. They were north of Caesarea.

They came with one accord - Fearing the effects of his anger, they united in sending an embassage to him to make peace.

Blastus, the king’s chamberlain - See Romans 16:23. The word “chamberlain” denotes an officer who is charged with the direction and management of a chamber or chambers, particularly a bed-chamber. It denotes here a man who had charge of the bed chamber of Herod.

Because their country was nourished ... - Was supplied by the territories of Herod. The country of Tyre and Sidon included a narrow strip of land on the coast of the Mediterranean. Of course they were dependent for provisions, and for articles of commerce, on the interior country; but this belonged to the kingdom of Herod; and as they were entirely dependent on his country, as he had power to dry up the sources of their support and commerce, they were the more urgent to secure his favor.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Acts 12:20. Highly displeased with them of Tyre — On what account Herod was thus displeased is not related by any historian, as far as I have been able to ascertain. Josephus, who speaks of this journey of Herod to Caesarea, says nothing of it; and it is useless for us to conjecture.

Having made Blastus-their friend — Blastus was probably a eunuch, and had considerable influence over his master Herod; and, to reach the master, it is likely they bribed the chamberlain.

Desired peace — The Tyrians and Sidonians being equally subjects of the Roman government with the inhabitants of Galilee, Herod could not go to war with them; but, being irritated against them, he might prevent their supplies: they therefore endeavoured to be on peaceable, i.e. friendly, terms with him.

Their country was nourished by the king's country.] That is, they had all their supplies from Galilee; for Tyre and Sidon, being places of trade and commerce, with little territory, were obliged to have all their provisions from the countries under Herod's jurisdiction. This had been the case even from the days of Solomon, as we learn 1 Kings 5:11; where it is said that Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat, for food to his household; and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. See also Ezekiel 27:17.


 
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