King James Version

What Does Acts 12:19 Mean?

Acts 12:19 in the King James Version says “And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.”

Acts 12:19 · KJV

Context

17

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

18

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

19

And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

20

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. was highly: or, bare an hostile mind, intending war the king's chamberlain: Gr. that was over the king's bedchamber

21

And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. The Canaanite conquest's recounting emphasizes God's judgment on wickedness while fulfilling covenant promises to Abraham's descendants.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Seven nations (Deuteronomy 7:1—Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites) represent complete conquest. Destroyed (Greek: kathaireo) means demolished/overthrew. Divided by lot (Joshua 13-19) ensured fair distribution. Paul's reference around 48 CE reminded hearers of God's faithfulness fulfilling ancient promises. The conquest typologically foreshadowed Christ conquering spiritual enemies and giving inheritance to His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does conquest demonstrate both divine judgment and covenant faithfulness?
  2. What does complete victory teach about God's thorough redemption?
  3. In what ways does land inheritance foreshadow spiritual inheritance in Christ?
  4. Why recount conquest when preaching gospel centuries later?
  5. What does fulfilling ancient promises reveal about God's reliability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἡρῴδης1 of 21

“Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπιζητήσας3 of 21

“had sought for”

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

αὐτὸν4 of 21

“him”

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

καὶ5 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

μὴ6 of 21

“not”

G3361

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

εὑρὼν7 of 21

“found him”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἀνακρίνας8 of 21

“he examined”

G350

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine

τοὺς9 of 21
G3588

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

φύλακας10 of 21

“the keepers”

G5441

a watcher or sentry

ἐκέλευσεν11 of 21

“and commanded”

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

ἀπαχθῆναι12 of 21

“that they should be put to death”

G520

to take off (in various senses)

καὶ13 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

κατελθὼν14 of 21

“he went down”

G2718

to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ15 of 21

“from”

G575

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

τῆς16 of 21
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίας17 of 21

“Judaea”

G2449

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

εἰς18 of 21

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν19 of 21
G3588

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

Καισάρειαν20 of 21

“Caesarea”

G2542

caesaria, the name of two places in palestine

διέτριβεν21 of 21

“and there abode”

G1304

to wear through (time), i.e., remain

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 12:19 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 12:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 16:27Psalms 37:32-33John 12:10-11Matthew 2:13Acts 8:401 Samuel 23:14

Places in This Verse

CaesareaSettlement · Modern: Caesarea Maritima · 32.50°N, 34.89°E18 verses across 1 book
Judea 1Region · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E52 verses across 9 books
View all places in Acts 12 →

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