King James Version

What Does Acts 11:9 Mean?

Acts 11:9 in the King James Version says “But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”

Acts 11:9 · KJV

Context

7

And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10

And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11

And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

Read Acts 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. God's rebuke establishes divine authority over purity definitions, declaring His power to declare clean what was formerly unclean.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

What God hath cleansed asserts divine prerogative to redefine purity. The verb tense (perfected action) indicates completed work—God has acted decisively. This principle, revealed around 40 CE, extended beyond food to people—Gentiles whom God cleanses through faith must not be called common. The theological revolution prepared Christianity for worldwide mission beyond ethnic Judaism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's authority to declare clean reveal about His sovereignty?
  2. How does this principle apply beyond dietary laws to human relationships?
  3. In what ways should believers avoid imposing purity categories God has abolished?
  4. What role does divine declaration play in establishing spiritual reality?
  5. How does God's cleansing power override human religious categories?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 16

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

μοι3 of 16

“me”

G3427

to me

φωνὴ4 of 16

“the voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐκ5 of 16

“again”

G1537

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

δευτέρου6 of 16
G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἐκ7 of 16

“again”

G1537

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

τοῦ8 of 16
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ9 of 16

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Ἃ10 of 16

“What”

G3739

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

ὁ11 of 16
G3588

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

θεὸς12 of 16

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐκαθάρισεν13 of 16

“hath cleansed”

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

σὺ14 of 16

“thou”

G4771

thou

μὴ15 of 16

“not”

G3361

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

κοίνου16 of 16

“common”

G2840

to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially)

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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:9Hebrews 9:13-141 Timothy 4:5Acts 10:28Acts 10:15Acts 10:34-35

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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