King James Version

What Does Acts 1:16 Mean?

Acts 1:16 in the King James Version says “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 1:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter attributes Judas' betrayal to Scripture's necessity - 'this scripture must needs have been fulfilled.' The phrase 'the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David' affirms the Spirit's authorship of Scripture through human writers. Divine sovereignty over even betrayal demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter quotes Psalm 41:9 regarding betrayal by a close companion. Early Christians regularly found Christ and His circumstances prefigured in David's psalms, establishing the christological reading of Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding divine sovereignty over evil comfort you without excusing human responsibility?
  2. What does Scripture's 'necessity' teach about God's control over history's darkest moments?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Ἄνδρες1 of 25

Men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀδελφοί2 of 25

and brethren

G80

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

ἔδει3 of 25

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

πληρωθῆναι4 of 25

needs have been fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὸν5 of 25

which

G3588

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

γραφὴν6 of 25

scripture

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

ταύτην,7 of 25
G3778

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

ἣν8 of 25

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προεῖπεν9 of 25

spake before

G4277

to say already, to predict

τὸν10 of 25

which

G3588

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

πνεῦμα11 of 25

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸν12 of 25

which

G3588

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

ἅγιον13 of 25

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

διὰ14 of 25

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

στόματος15 of 25

the mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

Δαβὶδ,16 of 25

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

περὶ17 of 25

concerning

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

Ἰούδα18 of 25

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

τὸν19 of 25

which

G3588

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

γενομένου20 of 25

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὁδηγοῦ21 of 25

guide

G3595

a conductor (literally or figuratively (teacher))

τὸν22 of 25

which

G3588

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

συλλαβοῦσιν23 of 25

to them that took

G4815

to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid

τὸν24 of 25

which

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν25 of 25

Jesus

G2424

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


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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study