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    Biblical Name · Latin Origin

    Festus Meaning in the Bible

    Festus

    boy

    Festus means "Festive; Joyful", a boy's name of Latin origin. Festus appears in the King James Bible, and Acts 26:24-25 is the passage most often tied to it. Festus shows that the gospel sounds like madness to worldly ears — but Paul's calm response demonstrates that truth needs no defense, only proclamation.

    Is Festus in the Bible?

    Yes — Festus appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 26:24-25.

    Pronunciation:/FES-tus/
    OriginLatin
    MeaningFestive; Joyful
    What does Festus mean?

    Festus is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Festive; Joyful". Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as Roman governor and heard Paul's defense.

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    What does Festus mean in the Bible?

    Festus means "Festive; Joyful" and is a name of Latin origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.

    Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as Roman governor and heard Paul's defense. When Paul spoke of resurrection, Festus cried 'Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.' Paul's response — 'I am not mad, most noble Festus' — is a masterclass in gracious apologetics.

    Where does Festus appear in the Bible (KJV)?

    Festus is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with Acts 26:24-25. Each verse is quoted in full below.

    "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness."

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    Which books of the Bible mention Festus?

    Festus is mentioned across 1 book of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.

    What is the spiritual meaning of Festus?

    Festus shows that the gospel sounds like madness to worldly ears — but Paul's calm response demonstrates that truth needs no defense, only proclamation.

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    What names are related to Festus?

    Names like Festus

    Other Latin biblical names that share the spirit of "Festive; Joyful" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.

    Names that pair well with Festus

    Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.

    Share the meaning of Festus

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    Festus name meaning: frequently asked questions

    Yes — Festus appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 26:24-25.

    Festus means "Festive; Joyful." It is a Latin name. The King James Bible uses it in Acts 26:24-25, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.

    Latin. Festus comes into English from Latin and carries the sense "Festive; Joyful." It appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 26:24-25.

    Common questions about the name Festus

    Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Festus?

    Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.

    Where can I read the full biblical context for Festus?

    You can read every verse where Festus appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.