Acts 23:5

Paul replied, ¹  “I did not realize, ²  brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.’” ³ 

biblegateway Act 23:5

Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realise that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’"

biblegateway Act 23:5

And Paul said, "I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’"

biblegateway Act 23:5

"I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest," Paul replied, "for the Scriptures say, ‘Do not speak evil of anyone who rules over you.’"

biblegateway Act 23:5

Paul acted surprised. "How was I to know he was Chief Priest? He doesn't act like a Chief Priest. You're right, the Scripture does say, 'Don't speak abusively to a ruler of the people.' Sorry."

SABDAweb Act 23:5

And Paul said, Brother, I had no idea that he was the high priest: for it has been said, You may not say evil about the ruler of your people.

bibleoremus Act 23:5

And Paul said, "I did not realize, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.’"

biblegateway Act 23:5

Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’"

biblegateway Act 23:5

Paul replied, ¹  “I did not realize, ²  brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.’” ³ 

¹ tn Grk “said.”

² tn Or “know.”

³ sn A quotation from Exod 22:28. This text defines a form of blasphemy. Paul, aware of the fact that he came close to crossing the line, backed off out of respect for the law.