King James Version

What Does Acts 3:13 Mean?

Acts 3:13 in the King James Version says “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

Acts 3:13 · KJV


Context

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?

13

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

14

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

15

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Prince: or, Author


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter's proclamation centers on 'his Son Jesus' - emphasizing divine Sonship. The phrase 'glorified his Son' connects to Isaiah's Suffering Servant. Peter boldly indicts his audience: 'ye delivered up, and denied him' - confronting corporate guilt while offering mercy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The titles 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' connected Jesus to covenant history. Peter accused the Jerusalem crowd of complicity in Christ's death, a bold accusation to those gathered for worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter's boldness in confronting sin challenge comfortable evangelism?
  2. What does calling Jesus 'his Son' affirm about Christ's divine nature?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
1 of 29
G3588

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

θεὸς2 of 29

The God

G2316

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

Ἀβραὰμ3 of 29

of Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

καὶ4 of 29

and

G2532

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

Ἰσαὰκ5 of 29

of Isaac

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

καὶ6 of 29

and

G2532

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

Ἰακώβ7 of 29

of Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

8 of 29
G3588

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

θεὸς9 of 29

The God

G2316

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

τῶν10 of 29
G3588

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

πατέρων11 of 29

fathers

G3962

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

ἡμῶν12 of 29

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐδόξασεν13 of 29

hath glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸν14 of 29
G3588

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

παῖδα15 of 29

Son

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

αὐτόν16 of 29

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

Ἰησοῦν17 of 29

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὃν18 of 29

whom

G3739

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

ὑμεῖς19 of 29

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

παρεδώκατε20 of 29

delivered up

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

καὶ21 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἠρνήσασθε22 of 29

denied

G720

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

αὐτόν23 of 29

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

κατὰ24 of 29

in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πρόσωπον25 of 29

the presence

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

Πιλάτου26 of 29

of Pilate

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

κρίναντος27 of 29

when he was determined

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἐκείνου28 of 29

him

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἀπολύειν·29 of 29

go

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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