King James Version

What Does Acts 4:16 Mean?

Acts 4:16 in the King James Version says “Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Acts 4:16 · KJV


Context

14

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The council's admission - 'a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it' - acknowledges undeniable reality while refusing proper response. The Greek 'gnōston sēmeion' (notable miracle) indicates a widely-known, authenticating sign. Their confession 'we cannot deny it' admits truth while planning to suppress it, demonstrating the futility of opposing manifest divine activity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's compact size (about 600 acres within walls) meant news spread rapidly. The healed man had begged at the temple's prominent gate (Acts 3:2) where thousands passed daily. Denying the miracle would destroy the council's credibility, forcing them to acknowledge what condemned their Christ-rejection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do people acknowledge God's work while refusing to submit to His authority?
  2. What does 'we cannot deny it' teach about truth's ultimate triumph despite powerful opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγοντες1 of 23

Saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Τί2 of 23

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσομεν3 of 23

shall we do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τοῖς4 of 23
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις5 of 23

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τούτοις6 of 23

to these

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

ὅτι7 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μὲν8 of 23

indeed

G3303

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

γὰρ9 of 23

for

G1063

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

γνωστὸν10 of 23

a notable

G1110

well-known

σημεῖον11 of 23

miracle

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

γέγονεν12 of 23

hath been done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δι'13 of 23

by

G1223

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

αὐτῶν14 of 23

them

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

πᾶσιν15 of 23

to all them

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς16 of 23
G3588

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

κατοικοῦσιν17 of 23

that dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ18 of 23

in Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

φανερόν19 of 23

is manifest

G5318

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

καὶ20 of 23

and

G2532

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

οὐ21 of 23

we cannot

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δυνάμεθα22 of 23
G1410

to be able or possible

ἀρνήσασθαι·23 of 23

deny

G720

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


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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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