Acts 20:9

Window. In most ancient houses a window was only an opening in the wall, perhaps without a framework, and with no bars to prevent the accident here described, unless it was a fragile latticework.

Young man. Gr. neanias, strictly speaking, a man between 24 and 40 years of age. However, the word might be used with greater latitude, as perhaps it is here (see on v. 12).

Eutychus. Meaning “fortunate.” This name, like names of kindred meaning, such as Felix, Felicia, Fellicissmus, Fortunatus, Faustus, Felicitas, and Syntyche, occurs repeatedly on inscriptions, and apparently was common, especially among freedmen.

Sunk down with sleep. Literally, “overcome with sleep.” Doubtless the air became heavy with heat and the smoke of the oil lamps, and the young man could resist sleep no longer.

Third loft. Gr. tristegos, “third roof,” that is, the third story; perhaps what would be known today as the “fourth floor.”

Taken up dead. If there was any latticework in the window opening, it would have been set wide open to let cool air into the crowded room. The lad fell out and down to the ground, probably in the courtyard. There has been much debate whether the restoration of Eutychus was meant to be described as miraculous; whether “dead” may not be understood as “in a swoonlike state.” But Luke the physician’s expressions here and in v. 12 (“they brought the young man alive”) seem to leave no room for question. That life was snuffed out by reason of the fall and was restored by the prayer of the apostle is the natural reading of the story.