King James Version

What Does Acts 1:24 Mean?

Acts 1:24 in the King James Version says “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Acts 1:24 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The appeal to God as 'heart-knower' (Greek 'kardiognostes') acknowledges that leadership selection requires divine insight beyond human perception. This prayer demonstrates the early church's submission to God's sovereignty in decision-making, refusing to trust human wisdom alone for apostolic appointment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prayer preceded choosing Matthias to replace Judas, restoring the apostolic twelve. The practice of casting lots (Acts 1:26) was common in Judaism but notably absent in later church decisions after Pentecost, suggesting Spirit guidance replaced external methods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you seek God's wisdom when making important leadership decisions?
  2. What role should prayer play in church governance and appointment of leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

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

προσευξάμενοι2 of 15

they prayed

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

εἶπον,3 of 15

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Σὺ4 of 15

Thou

G4771

thou

κύριε5 of 15

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καρδιογνῶστα6 of 15

which knowest the hearts

G2589

a heart-knower

πάντων7 of 15

of all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνάδειξον8 of 15

men shew

G322

to exhibit, i.e., (by implication) to indicate, appoint

ἐκ9 of 15

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τούτων10 of 15

these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

τῶν11 of 15
G3588

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

δύο12 of 15

two

G1417

"two"

ἕνα13 of 15

whether

G1520

one

ὃν14 of 15
G3739

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

ἐξελέξω15 of 15

thou hast chosen

G1586

to select


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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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