King James Version
What Does Acts 4:17 Mean?
“But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.”
Context
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.
19
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **Let us straitly threaten them.**—The Greek gives literally, *let us threaten them with threats.* The phrase gives the Hebrew idiom for expressing intensity by reduplication, as in “blessing I will bless thee” (Genesis 22:17), “dying thou shalt die” (Genesis 2:17, *marg.*)*, *and, as far as it goes, indicates that St. Luke translated from a report of the speech which Caiaphas had delivered in Aramaic. It is a perfectly possible alternative that the High Priest, speaking in Greek, reproduced, as the LXX, often does, the old Hebrew formula.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:17 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 4:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge