King James Version

What Does Acts 2:33 Mean?

Acts 2:33 in the King James Version says “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he ha... — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 2:33 · KJV


Context

31

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

34

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

35

Until I make thy foes thy footstool .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ's exaltation to God's 'right hand' - the position of supreme authority - precedes the Spirit's outpouring. The logical sequence matters: Christ must be glorified before the Spirit can be sent (John 7:39). Having 'received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost,' Christ actively pours out what the crowd witnessed. This establishes Trinitarian coordination in redemption: Father promises, Son achieves and receives, Spirit applies. Pentecost is Christ's gift to His church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'right hand of God' in ancient Near Eastern courts signified co-regency and executive authority. Christ's session (seated position) indicates completed work - priests stood (Hebrews 10:11-12), but Christ's sacrifice finished, He sits. From this position He governs history and distributes the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's exaltation preceding Spirit's outpouring demonstrate salvation's Trinitarian nature?
  2. What does Christ's active role in sending the Spirit teach about His ongoing ministry to the church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
τῇ1 of 24
G3588

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

δεξιᾷ2 of 24

by the right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

οὖν3 of 24

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τοῦ4 of 24
G3588

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

θεοῦ5 of 24

of God

G2316

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

ὑψωθεὶς6 of 24

being

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

τήν7 of 24
G3588

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

τε8 of 24

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἐπαγγελίαν9 of 24

the promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

τοῦ10 of 24
G3588

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

ἁγίου11 of 24

of the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πνεύματος12 of 24

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

λαβὼν13 of 24

having received

G2983

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

παρὰ14 of 24

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῦ15 of 24
G3588

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

πατρὸς16 of 24

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐξέχεεν17 of 24

he hath shed forth

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

τοῦτο18 of 24

this

G5124

that thing

19 of 24

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

νὺν20 of 24

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ὑμεῖς21 of 24

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

βλέπετε22 of 24

see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ23 of 24

and

G2532

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

ἀκούετε24 of 24

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)


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 2:33 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 2:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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