King James Version

What Does Acts 4:31 Mean?

Acts 4:31 in the King James Version says “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Hol...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

Acts 4:31 · King James Version


Context

29

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken—Physical shaking authenticated God's presence, recalling Sinai (Exodus 19:18) and Isaiah 6:4. The church's response to persecution was corporate prayer for boldness (v.29), not safety—God answered with tangible confirmation. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost (ἐπλήσθησαν ἅπαντες πνεύματος ἁγίου)—a subsequent filling beyond Pentecost, showing believers need repeated Spirit-empowering for ministry challenges. They spake the word of God with boldness (παρρησίᾳ) fulfilled their prayer request—'parrēsia' denotes fearless, public speech despite opposition. The Spirit's filling produced proclamation, not ecstasy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Followed the apostles' release from Sanhedrin imprisonment with orders to stop preaching (v.18). Instead of retreating, the church prayed for greater boldness (v.29). This pattern repeats throughout Acts: persecution intensifies witness. The prayer quoted Psalm 2, interpreting opposition as fulfilling prophecy about nations raging against God's Anointed.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did the church pray for boldness rather than safety from persecution?
  2. What circumstances in your life require a fresh filling of the Spirit for bold witness?

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


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

δεηθέντων2 of 23

“had prayed”

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

αὐτῶν3 of 23

“when 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

ἐσαλεύθη4 of 23

“was shaken”

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

ὁ5 of 23
G3588

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

τόπος6 of 23

“the place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ἐν7 of 23

“where”

G1722

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

ᾧ8 of 23
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἦσαν9 of 23

“they were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

συνηγμένοι10 of 23

“assembled together”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

καὶ11 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπλήσθησαν12 of 23

“filled”

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

ἅπαντες13 of 23

“all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

πνεύματος14 of 23

“Ghost”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίου15 of 23

“with the Holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ16 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἐλάλουν17 of 23

“they spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τὸν18 of 23
G3588

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

λόγον19 of 23

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ20 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ21 of 23

“of God”

G2316

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

μετὰ22 of 23

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

παῤῥησίας23 of 23

“boldness”

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance


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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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