King James Version

What Does Acts 5:15 Mean?

Acts 5:15 in the King James Version says “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the sha...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Acts 5:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, indignation: or, envy

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The extraordinary scene - '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' - demonstrates radical faith in God's power through apostolic ministry. The Greek 'kan' (at the least) shows desperate hope even for indirect contact. Whether shadows actually healed is debated, but the passage emphasizes people's faith and God's power. This parallels woman touching Jesus' garment (Mark 5:27-29), showing faith grasps available means.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient understanding attributed power to saints' presence and possessions. While superstitious elements existed, the text neither confirms nor denies shadow-healing's effectiveness - it describes faith's expression. The public street healing demonstrated Christianity's compassionate practical ministry attracting crowds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish appropriate faith in God's power from superstitious practices?
  2. What does bringing sick people publicly demonstrate about gospel's holistic concern for human needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ὥστε1 of 22

“Insomuch”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

κατὰ2 of 22

“into”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὰς3 of 22
G3588

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

πλατείας4 of 22

“the streets”

G4113

a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square

ἐκφέρειν5 of 22

“that they brought forth”

G1627

to bear out (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς6 of 22
G3588

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

ἀσθενεῖς7 of 22

“the sick”

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

καὶ8 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

τιθέναι9 of 22

“laid”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἐπὶ10 of 22

“them on”

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

κλινῶν11 of 22

“beds”

G2825

a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating)

καὶ12 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

κραββάτων13 of 22

“couches”

G2895

a mattress

ἵνα14 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐρχομένου15 of 22

“passing by”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Πέτρου16 of 22

“of Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

κἂν17 of 22

“at the least”

G2579

and (or even) if

ἡ18 of 22
G3588

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

σκιὰ19 of 22

“the shadow”

G4639

"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))

ἐπισκιάσῃ20 of 22

“might overshadow”

G1982

to cast a shade upon, i.e., (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence

τινὶ21 of 22

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτῶν22 of 22

“of 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

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 5:15 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 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:11-12Matthew 14:36John 14:12Matthew 9:21

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