King James Version

What Does Acts 10:37 Mean?

Acts 10:37 in the King James Version says “That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which Jo... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Acts 10:37 · KJV


Context

35

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Peter's sermon assumes Cornelius's basic familiarity with Jesus' ministry, showing how widely Jesus' story had spread and establishing common ground for gospel explanation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea would have known about Jesus—controversial Jewish teacher executed under Pilate. The phrase published throughout all Judaea indicates widespread dissemination. Beginning from Galilee traces Jesus' ministry trajectory. After baptism which John preached establishes chronological starting point. Peter's sermon around 40 CE demonstrates apostolic preaching pattern—grounding gospel in historical events, not abstract philosophy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does building on existing knowledge facilitate gospel communication?
  2. What role does historical grounding play in gospel credibility?
  3. In what ways had Jesus' story spread beyond Jewish communities?
  4. How should evangelists establish common ground before detailed gospel explanation?
  5. What does widespread knowledge of Jesus demonstrate about His impact?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὑμεῖς1 of 19

I say ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οἴδατε2 of 19

know

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

τὸ3 of 19
G3588

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

γενόμενον4 of 19

which was published

G1096

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

ῥῆμα5 of 19

That word

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

καθ'6 of 19

throughout

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὅλης7 of 19

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῆς8 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίας9 of 19

Judaea

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

ἀρξάμενον10 of 19

and began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἀπὸ11 of 19

from

G575

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

τῆς12 of 19
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίας13 of 19

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

μετὰ14 of 19

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ15 of 19
G3588

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

βάπτισμα16 of 19

the baptism

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

17 of 19

which

G3739

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

ἐκήρυξεν18 of 19

preached

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

Ἰωάννης19 of 19

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites


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 10:37 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 10:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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