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 · KJV


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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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

5 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

8 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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