King James Version

What Does Acts 13:34 Mean?

Acts 13:34 in the King James Version says “And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. mercies: Gr. holy, or just things: which word the Septuagint in many places, uses for that which is in the Hebrew, mercies”

Acts 13:34 · KJV

Context

32

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. mercies: Gr. holy, or just things: which word the Septuagint in many places, uses for that which is in the Hebrew, mercies

35

Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: after: or, after he had in his own age served the will of God

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"I will give you the sure mercies of David" (τὰ ὅσια Δαυὶδ τὰ πιστά, ta hosia Dauid ta pista)—Paul quotes Isaiah 55:3, connecting Christ's resurrection to the Davidic covenant's irrevocable promises. The Greek hosia means "holy things" or "covenant mercies," while pista emphasizes their certainty and faithfulness. These mercies are "sure" because Christ "raised...from the dead, now no more to return to corruption" conquered death permanently.

Unlike David, who died and saw corruption (v. 36), Jesus rose never to die again (Romans 6:9). The "sure mercies" depend on an eternal King—if Messiah remained dead, the covenant fails. Paul's logic: God promised David an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16), Christ's irreversible resurrection proves He is that eternal heir, therefore the covenant blessings are guaranteed through Him. This quote from Isaiah's restoration prophecy shows the New Covenant's foundation in Christ's victory over death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul delivered this sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (c. AD 47-48) during his first missionary journey. He addressed Jews and God-fearing Gentiles who knew Isaiah's prophecies and the Davidic covenant promises. Isaiah 55:3 was understood messianically in Second Temple Judaism—the 'sure mercies' anticipated Messiah's fulfillment of God's covenant with David. Paul's argument required proving Jesus's resurrection was permanent, not temporary resuscitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's permanent resurrection (never returning to corruption) secure the 'sureness' of God's covenant promises?
  2. What does it mean that the Davidic covenant's blessings are now available through Christ's victory over death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὅτι1 of 21

“as concerning that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνέστησεν3 of 21

“he raised”

G450

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

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

ἐκ5 of 21

“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

νεκρῶν6 of 21

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

μηκέτι7 of 21

“now no more”

G3371

no further

μέλλοντα8 of 21

“to”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ὑποστρέφειν9 of 21

“return”

G5290

to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)

εἰς10 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

διαφθοράν11 of 21

“corruption”

G1312

decay

οὕτως12 of 21

“on this wise”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

εἴρηκεν13 of 21

“he said”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὅτι14 of 21

“as concerning that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Δώσω15 of 21

“I will give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν16 of 21

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὰ17 of 21
G3588

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

ὅσια18 of 21

“mercies”

G3741

properly, right (by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from 1342, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from g2413, whic

Δαβὶδ19 of 21

“of David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

τὰ20 of 21
G3588

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

πιστά21 of 21

“the sure”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

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 13:34 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 13:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 55:3Psalms 89:2-4Romans 6:9Psalms 89:19-37Jeremiah 33:26Ezekiel 34:23-24

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