King James Version

What Does Acts 12:4 Mean?

Acts 12:4 in the King James Version says “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; in... — study this verse from Acts chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Easter: Gr. Passover quaternions: a file of four soldiers

Acts 12:4 · KJV


Context

2

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

4

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Easter: Gr. Passover quaternions: a file of four soldiers

5

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. prayer: or, instant and earnest prayer was made

6

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Herod's elaborate security—sixteen soldiers guarding Peter—demonstrates both Peter's perceived danger and sets stage for miraculous deliverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Four quaternions equals sixteen soldiers (four squads of four), rotating guard duty. After Easter (Greek: Passover) indicates Herod waited until festival concluded, avoiding public disruption. This imprisonment around 44 CE represented intensified persecution after Stephen's martyrdom and James's execution (Acts 12:2). Herod Agrippa I sought Jewish approval through persecuting Christian leaders, but God would dramatically deliver Peter.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does elaborate human security highlight divine deliverance's miraculous nature?
  2. What role does persecution play in demonstrating gospel's supernatural power?
  3. In what ways do political leaders' religious manipulation reveal spiritual warfare?
  4. How should believers respond when facing overwhelming odds?
  5. What does God's deliverance teach about sovereignty over human authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὃν1 of 20
G3739

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

καὶ2 of 20

And

G2532

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

πιάσας3 of 20

when he had apprehended

G4084

to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))

ἔθετο4 of 20

him he put

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

εἰς5 of 20

him in

G1519

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

φυλακήν6 of 20

prison

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

παραδοὺς7 of 20

and delivered

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

τέσσαρσιν8 of 20

him to four

G5064

four

τετραδίοις9 of 20

quaternions

G5069

a quaternion or squad (picket) of four roman soldiers

στρατιωτῶν10 of 20

of soldiers

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

φυλάσσειν11 of 20

to keep

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

αὐτὸν12 of 20

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

βουλόμενος13 of 20

intending

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

μετὰ14 of 20

after

G3326

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

τὸ15 of 20
G3588

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

πάσχα16 of 20

Easter

G3957

the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)

ἀναγαγεῖν17 of 20

forth

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

αὐτὸν18 of 20

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

τῷ19 of 20
G3588

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

λαῷ20 of 20

to the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)


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 12:4 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 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study