King James Version

What Does Acts 3:10 Mean?

Acts 3:10 in the King James Version says “And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder an... — study this verse from Acts chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Acts 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9

And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

10

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

11

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crowd's recognition - 'they knew that it was he which sat for alms' - established the miracle's authenticity. Their being 'filled with wonder and amazement' created the teachable moment Peter seized. Amazement alone doesn't save, but it opens ears to the gospel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The man's years of begging made him well-known to regular temple worshippers. No one could deny the transformation they witnessed.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is amazement insufficient without gospel proclamation?
  2. How do you move from wonder at God's work to proclamation of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἐπεγίνωσκον1 of 26

they knew

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

τε2 of 26

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

αὐτῷ3 of 26

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι4 of 26

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὑτὸς5 of 26

he

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἦν6 of 26

it was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τῷ7 of 26

which

G3588

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

πρὸς8 of 26

for

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τῷ9 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἐλεημοσύνην10 of 26

alms

G1654

compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction

καθήμενος11 of 26

sat

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ12 of 26

at

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

τῷ13 of 26

which

G3588

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

Ὡραίᾳ14 of 26

the Beautiful

G5611

belonging to the right hour or season (timely), i.e., (by implication) flourishing (beauteous (figuratively))

Πύλῃ15 of 26

gate

G4439

a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)

τῷ16 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἱεροῦ17 of 26

of the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

καὶ18 of 26

and

G2532

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

ἐπλήσθησαν19 of 26

they were filled

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

θάμβους20 of 26

with wonder

G2285

stupefaction (by surprise), i.e., astonishment

καὶ21 of 26

and

G2532

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

ἐκστάσεως22 of 26

amazement

G1611

a displacement of the mind, i.e., bewilderment, "ecstasy"

ἐπὶ23 of 26

at

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

τῷ24 of 26

which

G3588

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

συμβεβηκότι25 of 26

that which had happened

G4819

to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e., concur (take place)

αὐτῷ26 of 26

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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