King James Version

What Does Acts 10:30 Mean?

Acts 10:30 in the King James Version says “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

Acts 10:30 · KJV


Context

28

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, Cornelius's account establishes chronology while emphasizing spiritual disciplines (fasting, prayer) that preceded angelic visitation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Four days ago traces timeline: Day 1—Cornelius's vision; Day 2—messengers travel to Joppa; Day 3—Peter's vision, departure with messengers; Day 4—arrival in Caesarea. The ninth hour (3 PM) coincided with Jewish afternoon prayer time, showing Cornelius's integration of Jewish spiritual practices. Bright clothing indicated angelic being. This testimony around 40 CE validated divine initiative in bringing gospel to Gentiles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do spiritual disciplines (fasting, prayer) prepare hearts for divine revelation?
  2. What role does precise chronology play in establishing event's historical reliability?
  3. In what ways does God honor sincere spiritual seeking even outside covenant community?
  4. How should believers maintain spiritual practices while awaiting God's direction?
  5. What does angelic appearance emphasize about this event's divine orchestration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

And

G2532

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

2 of 31
G3588

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

Κορνήλιος3 of 31

Cornelius

G2883

cornelius, a roman

ἔφη4 of 31

said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ἀπὸ5 of 31

ago

G575

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

τετάρτης6 of 31

Four

G5067

fourth

ἡμέρας7 of 31

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

μέχρι8 of 31

until

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

ταύτης9 of 31
G3778

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

τῆς10 of 31
G3588

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

ὥραν11 of 31

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἤμην12 of 31

I was

G2252

i was

νηστεύων,13 of 31

fasting

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

καὶ14 of 31

And

G2532

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

τὴν15 of 31
G3588

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

ἐννάτην16 of 31

at the ninth

G1766

ninth

ὥραν17 of 31

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

προσευχόμενος18 of 31

I prayed

G4336

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

ἐν19 of 31

in

G1722

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

τῷ20 of 31
G3588

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

οἴκῳ21 of 31

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

μου22 of 31

me

G3450

of me

καὶ23 of 31

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,24 of 31

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀνὴρ25 of 31

a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἔστη26 of 31

stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐνώπιόν27 of 31

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

μου28 of 31

me

G3450

of me

ἐν29 of 31

in

G1722

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

ἐσθῆτι30 of 31

clothing

G2066

dress

λαμπρᾷ31 of 31

bright

G2986

radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)


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 10:30 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 10:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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