King James Version

What Does Acts 2:26 Mean?

Acts 2:26 in the King James Version says “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Acts 2:26 · KJV


Context

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:

26

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

27

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

28

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's joy ('my tongue was glad') and hope ('my flesh shall rest in hope') arise from resurrection confidence, not circumstances. The Greek 'kataskenösei' (shall rest) means 'to pitch one's tent' - a temporary dwelling awaiting permanent resurrection body. This hope sustained David through trials and sustains believers awaiting glorification. The body's rest in the grave is not defeat but confident expectation of morning's resurrection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelites lacked clear resurrection doctrine until later prophetic revelation (Daniel 12:2, Isaiah 26:19). David's confidence, though imperfect, anticipated fuller New Testament revelation. His faith rested on covenant faithfulness: God who promised eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7) must raise his descendant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does resurrection hope transform your view of death from enemy to 'rest'?
  2. What role does Old Testament saints' partial knowledge play in appreciating New Testament revelation's fullness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
διὰ1 of 20

Therefore

G1223

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

τοῦτο2 of 20
G5124

that thing

εὐφράνθη3 of 20

did

G2165

to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice

4 of 20
G3588

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

καρδία5 of 20

heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

μου6 of 20

my

G3450

of me

καὶ7 of 20

also

G2532

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

ἠγαλλιάσατο8 of 20

was glad

G21

properly, to jump for joy, i.e., exult

9 of 20
G3588

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

γλῶσσά10 of 20

tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

μου11 of 20

my

G3450

of me

ἔτι12 of 20
G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

δὲ13 of 20

moreover

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ14 of 20

also

G2532

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

15 of 20
G3588

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

σάρξ16 of 20

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

μου17 of 20

my

G3450

of me

κατασκηνώσει18 of 20

shall rest

G2681

to camp down, i.e., haunt; figuratively, to remain

ἐπ'19 of 20

in

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

ἐλπίδι20 of 20

hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence


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 2:26 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 2:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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