King James Version

What Does Acts 2:23 Mean?

Acts 2:23 in the King James Version says “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucif...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:”

Acts 2:23 · KJV

Salvation

Context

21

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

22

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

25

For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus was 'delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God' - His crucifixion was ordained before creation (Revelation 13:8). Yet perpetrators acted 'by wicked hands' and are culpable. This mystery safeguards both God's absolute control over history and human moral accountability. The Greek 'horismene boule' (determinate counsel) indicates settled divine decree, not mere permission.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter addressed the same Jerusalem crowd complicit in Christ's execution 50 days prior. His bold accusation 'ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified' directly charged his hearers with deicide, yet offered hope through repentance (v. 38). This demonstrates law and gospel's proper distinction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you hold together God's sovereignty in salvation with human responsibility for sin?
  2. What comfort does God's 'determinate counsel' provide when facing evil and suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τοῦτον1 of 15

“Him”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

τῇ2 of 15
G3588

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

ὡρισμένῃ3 of 15

“by the determinate”

G3724

to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify

βουλῇ4 of 15

“counsel”

G1012

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

καὶ5 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

προγνώσει6 of 15

“foreknowledge”

G4268

forethought

τοῦ7 of 15
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 15

“of God”

G2316

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

ἔκδοτον9 of 15

“being delivered”

G1560

given out or over, i.e., surrendered

λαβόντες10 of 15

“ye have taken”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

διὰ11 of 15

“and by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

χειρῶν12 of 15

“hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

ἀνόμων13 of 15

“wicked”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

προσπήξαντες14 of 15

“have crucified”

G4362

to fasten to, i.e., (specially), to impale (on a cross)

ἀνείλετε15 of 15

“and slain”

G337

to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:22Acts 4:28Isaiah 46:10-11Genesis 50:20Acts 3:181 Peter 1:20

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