King James Version

What Does Acts 1:14 Mean?

Acts 1:14 in the King James Version says “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with h... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 1:14 · KJV


Context

12

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey .

13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

15

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

16

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
United, continual prayer characterizes the pre-Pentecost community, establishing a pattern for church life. The inclusion of women and Jesus' family shows the Spirit creates a new community transcending social and familial boundaries. The Greek 'proskartereo' (devoted themselves) implies persistent, patient waiting in prayer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This 120-person prayer meeting (Acts 1:15) occurred in Jerusalem's upper room during the ten days between Ascension and Pentecost. Mary's presence is her last biblical mention, showing her integration into the believing community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does corporate prayer shape your church community's life and mission?
  2. What can we learn from the early church's devotion to prayer before major spiritual events?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
οὗτοι1 of 23

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

πάντες2 of 23

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἦσαν3 of 23

continued

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

προσκαρτεροῦντες4 of 23
G4342

to be earnest towards, i.e., (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a pers

ὁμοθυμαδὸν5 of 23

with one accord

G3661

unanimously

τῇ6 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσευχῇ7 of 23

in prayer

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

καὶ8 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ9 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεήσει,10 of 23

supplication

G1162

a petition

σὺν11 of 23

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

γυναιξὶν12 of 23

the women

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ13 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Μαριᾴ14 of 23

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

τῇ15 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρὶ16 of 23

the mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

τοῦ17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ18 of 23

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ19 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σὺν20 of 23

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τοῖς21 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοῖς22 of 23

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ23 of 23

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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