King James Version

What Does Acts 16:26 Mean?

Acts 16:26 in the King James Version says “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the do... — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Acts 16:26 · KJV


Context

24

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

25

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

27

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The earthquake that 'opened all the doors and loosed everyone's bands' demonstrated divine response to worship—God intervenes when His people praise. Yet Paul's decision not to escape but to prevent the jailer's suicide showed mission priority over personal freedom. This self-giving love prepared for the jailer's conversion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The miraculous earthquake in Philippi (AD 50) could have allowed escape, but Paul's compassion toward his jailer led to household conversion. This event established the Philippian church that became Paul's closest partner in ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God respond to worship even in dire circumstances?
  2. When should believers forgo exercising their rights for gospel opportunities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἄφνω1 of 22

suddenly

G869

unawares, i.e., unexpectedly

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

σεισμὸς3 of 22

earthquake

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

ἐγένετο4 of 22

there was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

μέγας5 of 22

a great

G3173

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

ὥστε6 of 22

so that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

σαλευθῆναι7 of 22

were shaken

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

τὰ8 of 22
G3588

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

θεμέλια9 of 22

the foundations

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ10 of 22
G3588

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

δεσμωτηρίου·11 of 22

of the prison

G1201

a place of bondage, i.e., a dungeon

ἀνεῴχθησαν12 of 22

were opened

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τε13 of 22

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

παραχρῆμα14 of 22

immediately

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

αἱ15 of 22
G3588

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

θύραι16 of 22

the doors

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

πάντων17 of 22

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ18 of 22

and

G2532

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

πάντων19 of 22

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ20 of 22
G3588

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

δεσμὰ21 of 22

bands

G1199

a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability

ἀνέθη22 of 22

were loosed

G447

to let up, i.e., (literally) slacken or (figuratively) desert, desist from


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 16:26 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 16:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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