King James Version

What Does Acts 13:27 Mean?

Acts 13:27 in the King James Version says “For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

Acts 13:27 · KJV


Context

25

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28

And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's paradox - Jerusalem's inhabitants and rulers 'knew him not' yet 'fulfilled' prophetic Scriptures by condemning Jesus - demonstrates how opposition to God can unwittingly accomplish His purposes. Their ignorance didn't excuse guilt but showed how spiritual blindness led them to fulfill precisely what they should have recognized. This reveals God's sovereignty in using even rebellion to accomplish redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The irony that Jesus's executioners fulfilled the Scriptures they read 'every sabbath day' highlights tragic blindness. Their religious activity without spiritual perception led to crucifying the very Messiah Scripture predicted.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious activity without spiritual perception lead to opposing God while thinking you serve Him?
  2. What does this teach about God's ability to accomplish His purposes even through those who oppose Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τὰς1 of 23

which

G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 23

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κατοικοῦντες3 of 23

they that dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐν4 of 23

at

G1722

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ5 of 23

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ6 of 23

and

G2532

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

τὰς7 of 23

which

G3588

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

ἄρχοντες8 of 23

rulers

G758

a first (in rank or power)

αὐτῶν9 of 23

their

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

τοῦτον10 of 23

him

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

ἀγνοήσαντες11 of 23

because they knew

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

καὶ12 of 23

and

G2532

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

τὰς13 of 23

which

G3588

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

φωνὰς14 of 23

the voices

G5456

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

τὰς15 of 23

which

G3588

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

προφητῶν16 of 23

of the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

τὰς17 of 23

which

G3588

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

κατὰ18 of 23
G2596

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

πᾶν19 of 23

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σάββατον20 of 23

sabbath day

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

ἀναγινωσκομένας21 of 23

are read

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

κρίναντες22 of 23

them in condemning

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἐπλήρωσαν23 of 23

they have fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute


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 13:27 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 13:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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