King James Version

What Does Acts 1:20 Mean?

Acts 1:20 in the King James Version says “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein : and his bishopri... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein : and his bishoprick let another take. bishoprick: or, office, or, charge

Acts 1:20 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein : and his bishoprick let another take. bishoprick: or, office, or, charge

21

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 and 109:8, applying David's words about personal enemies to Judas. The phrase 'let his habitation be desolate' connected to the abandoned field. The directive 'his bishoprick let another take' justified replacing Judas to restore the twelve.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Greek episkope (bishopric/office) refers to oversight responsibility. David's imprecatory psalms found fulfillment in Judas, demonstrating the typological relationship between David's and Christ's betrayers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you understand the use of imprecatory psalms in the New Testament?
  2. What principles guide the church in replacing fallen leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Γέγραπται1 of 23

it is written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γὰρ2 of 23

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐν3 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

βίβλῳ4 of 23

the book

G976

a scroll

ψαλμῶν5 of 23

of Psalms

G5568

a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms

Γενηθήτω6 of 23

Let

G1096

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

7 of 23
G3588

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

ἔπαυλις8 of 23

habitation

G1886

a hut over the head, i.e., a dwelling

αὐτοῦ9 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

ἔρημος10 of 23

desolate

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

καί11 of 23

and

G2532

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

μὴ12 of 23

no man

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔστω13 of 23

let

G2077

be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be

14 of 23
G3588

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

κατοικῶν15 of 23

dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐν16 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῦ17 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

καί18 of 23

and

G2532

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

Τὴν19 of 23
G3588

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

ἐπισκοπὴν20 of 23

bishoprick

G1984

inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the christian "episcopate"

αὐτοῦ21 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

λάβοι22 of 23

let

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἕτερος23 of 23

another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different


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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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