King James Version

What Does Acts 13:36 Mean?

Acts 13:36 in the King James Version says “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Acts 13:36 · KJV

Context

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

37

But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The contrast between David who 'fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption' and Jesus (implied in verses 37-38) establishes resurrection as the crucial difference. David's death and decay prove he wasn't the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Only Jesus, raised without seeing corruption, qualified as the true Davidic king whose kingdom would never end.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's argument follows Psalm 16:10's promise that God's Holy One wouldn't see corruption. Since David's tomb remained in Jerusalem with his decayed body, this prophecy required greater fulfillment in David's descendant, Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's resurrection establish Him as greater than even the greatest Old Testament saints?
  2. What does the contrast between David's decay and Jesus's resurrection teach about your future hope?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Δαβὶδ1 of 20

“David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

μὲν2 of 20
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ3 of 20

“For”

G1063

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

ἰδίᾳ4 of 20

“his own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

γενεᾷ5 of 20

“generation”

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

ὑπηρετήσας6 of 20

“after he had served”

G5256

to be a subordinate, i.e., (by implication) subserve

τῇ7 of 20
G3588

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

τοῦ8 of 20
G3588

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

θεοῦ9 of 20

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

βουλῇ10 of 20

“by the will”

G1012

volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose

ἐκοιμήθη11 of 20

“fell on sleep”

G2837

to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease

καὶ12 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

προσετέθη13 of 20

“was laid”

G4369

to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat

πρὸς14 of 20

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς15 of 20
G3588

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

πατέρας16 of 20

“fathers”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

αὐτοῦ17 of 20
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

καὶ18 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

εἶδεν19 of 20

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

διαφθοράν·20 of 20

“corruption”

G1312

decay

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 13:36 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 13:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:292 Samuel 7:121 Kings 2:10Acts 13:221 Chronicles 18:142 Chronicles 9:31

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