King James Version

What Does Acts 5:14 Mean?

Acts 5:14 in the King James Version says “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 5:14 · KJV


Context

12

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

13

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

14

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. into: or, in every street

16

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The summary - 'believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women' - shows that judgment purified rather than paralyzed the church. The Greek 'mallon' (the more) indicates accelerated growth, not decline. The passive 'were added to the Lord' emphasizes divine action - God builds His church. Including 'both men and women' highlights gospel's egalitarian nature in patriarchal society. Quality (holiness) and quantity (growth) coexisted - true revival produces both purity and proliferation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Women's explicit inclusion was radical in first-century Judaism where women couldn't be counted in synagogue quorums. Early Christianity's welcome of women as full members attracted criticism but demonstrated kingdom values. The multitudes' addition despite (or because of) judgment severity validated supernatural origin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does church discipline promote rather than hinder gospel growth?
  2. What does specific mention of women believers teach about the gospel's transformation of social structures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
μᾶλλον1 of 11

the more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

δὲ2 of 11

And

G1161

but, and, etc

προσετίθεντο3 of 11

added

G4369

to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat

πιστεύοντες4 of 11

believers

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τῷ5 of 11
G3588

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

κυρίῳ6 of 11

to the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πλήθη7 of 11

multitudes

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

ἀνδρῶν8 of 11

of men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τε9 of 11

both

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ10 of 11

and

G2532

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

γυναικῶν11 of 11

women

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife


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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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