King James Version

What Does Acts 10:17 Mean?

Acts 10:17 in the King James Version says “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean , behold , the men which were sent fro... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean , behold , the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Acts 10:17 · KJV


Context

15

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16

This was done thrice : and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean , behold , the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

18

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
While Peter 'doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean' - honest perplexity about revelation - Cornelius's messengers arrived. Peter's confusion would find resolution in divine providence. God clarified through circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's pondering shows that even apostles didn't immediately understand all revelation. The servants' arrival connected the vision's meaning to its practical application.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use circumstances to interpret unclear revelations?
  2. What role does honest wrestling with Scripture play in gaining understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
Ὡς1 of 31

while

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 31

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 31

in

G1722

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

ἑαυτῷ4 of 31

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

διηπόρει5 of 31

doubted

G1280

to be thoroughly nonplussed

τὸν6 of 31

which

G3588

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

Πέτρος7 of 31

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

τί8 of 31

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἂν9 of 31

should mean

G302

whatsoever

εἴη10 of 31
G1498

might (could, would, or should) be

τὸν11 of 31

which

G3588

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

ὅραμα12 of 31

this vision

G3705

something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)

13 of 31

which

G3739

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

εἶδεν14 of 31

he had seen

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ15 of 31
G2532

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

ἰδού,16 of 31

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

τὸν17 of 31

which

G3588

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

ἄνδρες18 of 31

the men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τὸν19 of 31

which

G3588

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

ἀπεσταλμένοι20 of 31

were sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

ἀπὸ21 of 31

from

G575

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

τὸν22 of 31

which

G3588

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

Κορνηλίου23 of 31

Cornelius

G2883

cornelius, a roman

διερωτήσαντες24 of 31

had made enquiry

G1331

to question throughout, i.e., ascertain by interrogation

τὸν25 of 31

which

G3588

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

οἰκίαν26 of 31

house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Σίμωνος27 of 31

for Simon's

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

ἐπέστησαν28 of 31

and stood

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

ἐπὶ29 of 31

before

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν30 of 31

which

G3588

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

πυλῶνα31 of 31

the gate

G4440

a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule


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 10:17 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 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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