King James Version

What Does Acts 16:31 Mean?

Acts 16:31 in the King James Version says “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 16:31 · KJV


Context

29

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes ; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house—The simplest gospel presentation in Scripture: salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. Believe on (πίστευσον ἐπί) means trust resting upon Christ as object, not mere mental assent. The Lord Jesus Christ identifies Jesus as sovereign deity (Lord), Messiah (Christ), and savior (Jesus='Yahweh saves'). Thou shalt be saved (σωθήσῃ) promises certain salvation—future indicative, not hypothetical possibility. And thy house extends the promise to his household, fulfilled immediately (v.34) as his family believed and was baptized. This doesn't teach proxy faith but corporate evangelism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's immediate answer to the jailer's question (v.30). The simplicity reflects the urgent moment—no lengthy sermon, just the gospel essence. They spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house (v.32) indicates fuller explanation followed. The jailer washed their wounds (v.33a), then Paul baptized him and his household (v.33b), demonstrating salvation's immediate fruit: compassion and public Christian identification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the simplicity of 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ' challenge complex religious systems?
  2. What does 'and thy house' teach about family evangelism versus individual-only gospel presentations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οἱ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπον,3 of 16

they said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πίστευσον4 of 16

Believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐπὶ5 of 16

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

τὸν6 of 16
G3588

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

κύριον7 of 16

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦν8 of 16

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστὸν,9 of 16

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ10 of 16

and

G2532

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

σωθήσῃ11 of 16

shalt be saved

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

σὺ12 of 16

thou

G4771

thou

καὶ13 of 16

and

G2532

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

14 of 16
G3588

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

οἶκός15 of 16

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

σου16 of 16

thy

G4675

of thee, thy


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 16:31 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 16:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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