King James Version

What Does Acts 1:4 Mean?

Acts 1:4 in the King James Version says “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the pro... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. being: or, eating together

Acts 1:4 · KJV


Context

2

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

3

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

4

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. being: or, eating together

5

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' command to wait for the Spirit reveals the essential relationship between promise and power in Christian ministry. The Greek 'perimenein' (wait for) suggests active expectation rather than passive delay. This establishes that effective witness requires divine empowerment beyond human ability, a theme central to Acts' narrative of Spirit-empowered mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken during the 40 days between resurrection and ascension (circa AD 30), this command kept the disciples in Jerusalem despite persecution risks. The 'promise of the Father' refers to Joel's prophecy and Jesus' earlier teachings about the Comforter.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does waiting on God's timing differ from human impatience in your ministry or calling?
  2. What 'promises of the Father' are you actively expecting in your spiritual life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

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

συναλιζόμενος2 of 17

being assembled together

G4871

to accumulate, i.e., convene

παρήγγειλεν3 of 17

them commanded

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

αὐτοῖς4 of 17

them

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

ἀπὸ5 of 17

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἱεροσολύμων6 of 17

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

μὴ7 of 17

not

G3361

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

χωρίζεσθαι8 of 17

depart

G5563

to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away

ἀλλὰ9 of 17

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

περιμένειν10 of 17

wait

G4037

to stay around, i.e., await

τὴν11 of 17
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίαν12 of 17

for the promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

τοῦ13 of 17
G3588

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

πατρὸς14 of 17

of the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἣν15 of 17

which

G3739

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

ἠκούσατέ16 of 17

saith he ye have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

μου17 of 17

of me

G3450

of me


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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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