King James Version

What Does Acts 14:10 Mean?

Acts 14:10 in the King James Version says “Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. — study this verse from Acts chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Acts 14:10 · KJV


Context

8

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

9

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

11

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Stand upright on thy feet (στῆθι ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας σου ὀρθός)—Paul's command demonstrates apostolic authority mirroring Christ's healing ministry. The Greek orthos (upright) emphasizes complete restoration, not merely assistance to stand. The man's immediate response—he leaped and walked (ἥλατο καὶ περιεπάτει)—echoes Isaiah 35:6's messianic promise: 'then shall the lame man leap as an hart.' This miracle at Lystra parallels Peter's healing in Acts 3:8, establishing Paul's apostleship through Christ's continued works.

Paul's loud voice (φωνῇ μεγάλῃ) proclaimed healing publicly, creating unavoidable witness to God's power. The immediate physical transformation—from lifelong lameness to leaping—left no room for gradual improvement or psychological explanation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred at Lystra (modern Turkey) during Paul's first missionary journey (c. AD 47-48). The man had been crippled from birth, making the healing undeniably miraculous. Lystra was a Roman colony with mixed pagan population, setting the stage for the theological confrontation that follows.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does apostolic authority through Christ differ from modern claims of healing power?
  2. What does the immediate, complete nature of biblical miracles teach about God's redemptive work in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἶπεν1 of 14

Said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μεγάλῃ2 of 14

with a loud

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τῇ3 of 14
G3588

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

φωνῇ4 of 14

voice

G5456

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

Ἀνάστηθι5 of 14

Stand

G450

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

ἐπὶ6 of 14

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς7 of 14
G3588

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

πόδας8 of 14

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου9 of 14

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ὀρθός10 of 14

upright

G3717

right (as rising), i.e., (perpendicularly) erect (figuratively, honest), or (horizontally) level or direct

καὶ11 of 14

And

G2532

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

ἥλλετο12 of 14

he leaped

G242

to jump; figuratively, to gush

καὶ13 of 14

And

G2532

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

περιεπάτει14 of 14

walked

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)


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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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