Acts 17:23

“for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: Acts 17:23

The translation of the NKJV clears up many of the errors of the KJV, but it still is not literal enough. The verse reads, “for passing through and analyzing your venerations, I found even a platform on which had been inscribed: GOD UNKNOWN. Whom, therefore – not knowing – you worship, Him I proclaim to you” (CG).

The previous verse opened Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, noting that he perceived the men of Athens were super-spiritual. He continues now by giving his reason for stating that, saying, “for passing through.”

He is referring to his walk through the city of Athens. While he was in the process of doing so, he explains, “and analyzing your venerations.”

The word translated as “analyzing” is found only here and in Hebrews 13:7. It comes from two words signifying “upwards” and “to gaze upon.” Thus, it means to attentively look at something and examine it while doing so.

The word translated as “venerations” is a single Greek word, sebasma, a noun used only here and in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. It is derived from sebazomai, to revere or be in awe of. It has almost no comparable English word. It covers not only an idol that is itself the object of worship, nor is it merely an icon that represents something worshiped. Rather, the word encompasses both thoughts and more.

Paul is using a word to describe all of the monuments that are venerated within the city. However, if the verb “venerate” is changed to a noun as the object of veneration, then it conveys the sense. Being plural to cover all that Paul is referring to makes it “venerations.” Most translations paraphrase the words and say, “objects of worship.” It speaks of idols, icons, statues, altars, memorials, etc. Anything that is worshiped would fall under this broad word.

While perusing all of these things around Athens, he says, “I found even a platform.” The word is bómos and it is only found here in Scripture. It is from the same as basis, a step which then also speaks of a foot. Thus, it refers to a stand, podium, or platform. The Greek translation of the Old Testament uses this word to describe the altar that was built in Joshua 22, but there is no reason to assume that this was an altar in the traditional sense. Of this platform, Paul notes, “on which had been inscribed: GOD UNKNOWN.”

The Greek reads with an adjective and a noun: AGNŌSTŌ THEŌ, UNKNOWN GOD. The words “to” “the” “an” etc. are often added for supposed clarity, but the fact that the platform was set apart with the words inscribed on it means that verbs and/or articles are unnecessary. The platform itself reflects the “to” part of the equation. If the word “an” or “the” is added to “UNKNOWN,” then it signifies that something is actually known about that GOD.

Of this inscribed platform, Vincent’s Word Studies says –

“Under these circumstances an allusion to one of these altars by the apostle would be equivalent to his saying to the Athenians thus: ‘You are correct in acknowledging a divine existence beyond any which the ordinary rites of your worship recognize; there is such an existence. You are correct in confessing that this Being is unknown to you; you have no just conceptions of his nature and perfections.’”

Because of this, and with Paul’s thoughts thus expressed, he next says, “Whom, therefore – not knowing – you worship.” The word translated as “not knowing” is translated from the verb agnoeó. The a prefix signifies negation and the word ginóskó means “to know.” Because it is a present participle, it says, “not knowing.”

The meaning is that though they know there is a God because of general revelation in the created order, they also know He is entirely unknown to them. Hence, He is GOD UNKNOWN. There is nothing that can be known about Him beyond what can be contemplated through His creation, and thus there is an infinite disconnect between the two. Unless He Himself makes the first move, nothing more can be known about Him. However, Paul has now arrived at Athens and he is going to tell them about this God who has, in fact, made that first move. Thus, he says, “Him I proclaim to you.”

The word translated as “proclaim” is kataggelló. It is the verb form of the noun used in verse 17:18. There, they said that Paul was a herald of “foreign gods.” Now, he takes their words and turns them around saying that he heralds GOD UNKNOWN to them.

Life application: Studying the Bible is fun. Study your Bible.

Most Glorious and Marvelous God. To much of the world, You are unknown, frightening, confusing, or maybe ignored. But to those who have read Your word and accepted its message, You are intimately close, comforting, and ever-present on our minds. We rejoice in You because we know Jesus who has revealed You to us. Thank You, O God, for the close and personal relationship we possess because of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.