King James Version

What Does Acts 3:22 Mean?

Acts 3:22 in the King James Version says “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto m...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.”

Acts 3:22 · King James Version


Context

20

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

22

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

23

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

24

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:15-18, identifying Jesus as the 'Prophet like unto Moses.' This Prophet-Messiah must be heard 'in all things whatsoever he shall say.' The reference establishes Jesus' authority as greater than Moses, demanding complete obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses himself prophesied a greater prophet to come. This text was central to Jewish messianic expectation and became a key Christian proof-text for Jesus' identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus being 'like Moses' yet greater teach about His role?
  2. How do you obey Christ 'in all things whatsoever He says'?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
Μωσῆς1 of 30

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

μὲν2 of 30

“truly”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ3 of 30

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πρὸς4 of 30

“unto”

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,

τούς5 of 30
G3588

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

πατέρας6 of 30

“the fathers”

G3962

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

εἶπεν7 of 30

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὅτι8 of 30
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Προφήτην9 of 30

“A prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ὑμῖν10 of 30

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀναστήσει11 of 30

“raise up”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

κύριος12 of 30

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὁ13 of 30
G3588

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

θεὸς14 of 30

“God”

G2316

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

ὑμῶν15 of 30

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐκ16 of 30

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν17 of 30
G3588

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

ἀδελφῶν18 of 30

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὑμῶν19 of 30

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὡς20 of 30

“like”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐμέ·21 of 30

“unto me”

G1691

me

αὐτοῦ22 of 30

“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

ἀκούσεσθε23 of 30

“shall ye hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

κατὰ24 of 30

“in”

G2596

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

πάντα25 of 30

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσα26 of 30

“whatsoever”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἂν27 of 30
G302

whatsoever

λαλήσῃ28 of 30

“he shall say”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

πρὸς29 of 30

“unto”

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,

ὑμᾶς30 of 30

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 3:22 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 3:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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