King James Version

What Does Acts 17:32 Mean?

Acts 17:32 in the King James Version says “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matte...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.”

Acts 17:32 · KJV

Context

30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. hath given: or, offered faith

32

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

33

So Paul departed from among them.

34

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mixed response to resurrection - some mocked, others wanted to hear more, some believed - represents typical responses to the gospel. Resurrection remains the dividing line between acceptance and rejection of Christianity. The 'mocking' reveals how central Christian claims appear foolish to worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18), yet this 'foolishness' saves those who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophers generally accepted soul immortality but rejected bodily resurrection. Paul's message that God would judge the world through a man whom He raised challenged both Jewish and Greek expectations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you remain faithful in proclamation despite knowing some will mock the gospel's core claims?
  2. What does the varied response teach about sowing seed broadly while trusting God for results?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀκουσόμεθά1 of 15

“We will hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνάστασιν3 of 15

“of the resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

νεκρῶν4 of 15

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οἱ5 of 15
G3588

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

μὲν6 of 15

“some”

G3303

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

ἐχλεύαζον7 of 15

“mocked”

G5512

to throw out the lip, i.e., jeer at

οἱ8 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ9 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπον,10 of 15

“others said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἀκουσόμεθά11 of 15

“We will hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

σου12 of 15

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

πάλιν13 of 15

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

περὶ14 of 15

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτου15 of 15

“this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

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 17:32 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 17:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:8Acts 17:18Acts 25:192 Corinthians 6:21 Corinthians 4:10Acts 24:25

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