King James Version

What Does Acts 12:7 Mean?

Acts 12:7 in the King James Version says “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly . And his chains fell off from his hands.”

Acts 12:7 · King James Version


Context

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.

7

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly . And his chains fell off from his hands.

8

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The angel's sudden appearance ('light shined in the prison') and physical intervention (striking Peter's side, loosing chains) demonstrates God's sovereignty over physical barriers and human authorities. The details emphasize the miracle's objective reality—Peter initially thought it a vision (Acts 12:9) but experienced genuine supernatural deliverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The angel's rescue occurred the night before Peter's scheduled execution, showing God's perfect timing. Four quaternions (16 soldiers) guarding Peter (Acts 12:4) made human escape impossible, highlighting the miraculous nature of his deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this deliverance demonstrate God's power over seemingly impossible circumstances?
  2. Why does God sometimes deliver miraculously (Peter) but allow martyrdom (James)?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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

ἰδού,2 of 31

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἄγγελος3 of 31

“the angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

κυρίου4 of 31

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐπέστη5 of 31

“came upon”

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

καὶ6 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

φῶς7 of 31

“a light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

ἔλαμψεν8 of 31

“shined”

G2989

to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively)

ἐν9 of 31

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ10 of 31
G3588

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

οἰκήματι·11 of 31

“the prison”

G3612

a tenement, i.e., (specially), a jail

πατάξας12 of 31

“he smote”

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

δὲ13 of 31

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὴν14 of 31
G3588

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

πλευρὰν15 of 31

“on the side”

G4125

a rib, i.e., (by extension) side

τοῦ16 of 31
G3588

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

Πέτρου17 of 31

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

ἤγειρεν18 of 31

“and raised”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

αὐτοῦ19 of 31

“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

λέγων,20 of 31

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἀνάστα21 of 31

“Arise up”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐν22 of 31

“in”

G1722

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

τάχει23 of 31
G5034

a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste

καὶ24 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξέπεσον25 of 31

“fell off”

G1601

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient

αὐτοῦ26 of 31

“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

αἱ27 of 31
G3588

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

ἁλύσεις28 of 31

“chains”

G254

a fetter or manacle

ἐκ29 of 31

“from”

G1537

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

τῶν30 of 31
G3588

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

χειρῶν31 of 31

“his hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)


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 12:7 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 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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