King James Version

What Does Acts 4:21 Mean?

Acts 4:21 in the King James Version says “So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the p... — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

Acts 4:21 · KJV


Context

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.

20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22

For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

23

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The council's impotence - 'when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people' - reveals political rather than legal motivation. Repeated threats without action demonstrate weakness. The phrase 'because of the people' shows fear of popular revolt. 'All men glorified God for that which was done' indicates the miracle's apologetic power - undeniable evidence produced worship even from opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin's authority depended on popular support. Punishing miracle-workers who healed a 40-year cripple would spark revolt, potentially bringing Roman intervention. This political calculation mirrors Pilate's decision regarding Jesus (John 19:12) - expediency trumping justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use political calculation and fear to protect His messengers and advance His gospel?
  2. What does 'all men glorified God' teach about miracles' appropriate role in validating gospel truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
οἱ1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

So

G1161

but, and, etc

προσαπειλησάμενοι3 of 22

when they had further threatened

G4324

to menace additionally

ἀπέλυσαν4 of 22

go

G630

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

αὐτούς5 of 22

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

μηδὲν6 of 22

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

εὑρίσκοντες7 of 22

finding

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τὸ8 of 22
G3588

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

πῶς9 of 22

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

κολάσωνται10 of 22

they might punish

G2849

properly, to curtail, i.e., (figuratively) to chastise (or reserve for infliction)

αὐτούς11 of 22

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

διὰ12 of 22

because

G1223

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

τὸν13 of 22
G3588

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

λαόν14 of 22

of the people

G2992

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

ὅτι15 of 22

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάντες16 of 22

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐδόξαζον17 of 22

men glorified

G1392

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

τὸν18 of 22
G3588

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

θεὸν19 of 22

God

G2316

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

ἐπὶ20 of 22

for

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ21 of 22
G3588

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

γεγονότι·22 of 22

that which was done

G1096

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


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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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