King James Version

What Does Acts 4:2 Mean?

Acts 4:2 in the King James Version says “Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”

Acts 4:2 · KJV

Context

1

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, captain: or, ruler

2

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

4

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Read Acts 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The authorities were 'grieved' (Greek 'diaponeomai,' thoroughly annoyed) for two reasons: apostles 'taught the people' without rabbinic credentials, and 'preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.' The phrase 'in Jesus' (Greek 'en Iēsou') indicates Jesus as resurrection's ground and guarantee - His rising proved general resurrection. This challenged Sadducean theology while implying their role in executing God's Messiah, hence their intense opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sadducees, collaborating with Rome for political power, rejected oral tradition and supernatural elements including angels, spirits, and resurrection. They controlled the Sanhedrin majority. Apostolic preaching threatened their theological system and political position by validating what they denied and accusing them of killing the Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's resurrection serve as guarantee and ground of believers' future resurrection?
  2. What motivates religious opposition to the gospel - theological disagreement, political threat, or both?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
διαπονούμενοι1 of 17

“Being grieved”

G1278

to toil through, i.e., (passively) be worried

διὰ2 of 17

“that”

G1223

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

τὸ3 of 17
G3588

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

διδάσκειν4 of 17

“taught”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

αὐτοὺς5 of 17

“they”

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

τὸν6 of 17
G3588

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

λαὸν7 of 17

“the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ8 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

καταγγέλλειν9 of 17

“preached”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

ἐν10 of 17

“through”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ11 of 17
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ12 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

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

τὴν13 of 17
G3588

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

ἀνάστασιν14 of 17

“the resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

τὴν15 of 17
G3588

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

ἐκ16 of 17

“from”

G1537

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

νεκρῶν17 of 17

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 17:18Acts 24:14-151 Thessalonians 4:13-141 Corinthians 15:12-202 Corinthians 4:13-14Acts 26:8

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