King James Version

What Does Acts 5:16 Mean?

Acts 5:16 in the King James Version says “There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 5:16 · King James Version


Context

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

18

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The expansion - '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' - describes gospel's centrifugal force. Jerusalem became healing center, drawing regional crowds. The inclusive statement 'healed every one' (Greek 'hapantes') emphasizes complete success rate, validating divine power. Distinguishing 'sick folks' from 'vexed with unclean spirits' recognizes both natural illness and demonic oppression, with Christ's power addressing both.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Regional pilgrimage to Jerusalem for healing paralleled temple worship patterns but now centered on apostolic ministry. 'Cities round about' included Judea and Samaria, fulfilling Acts 1:8's geographical expansion. Complete healing success contrasted with pagan healing shrines' limited results.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'healed every one' teach about God's power and willingness to heal?
  2. How does distinguishing physical illness from spiritual oppression inform compassionate ministry?

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


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
συνήρχετο1 of 20

“There came”

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

δὲ2 of 20
G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 20

“also”

G2532

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

τὸ4 of 20
G3588

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

πλῆθος5 of 20

“a multitude”

G4128

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

τῶν6 of 20
G3588

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

πέριξ7 of 20

“round about”

G4038

all around, i.e., (as an adjective) circumjacent

πόλεων8 of 20

“out of the cities”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

εἴς9 of 20

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλήμ10 of 20

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

φέροντες11 of 20

“bringing”

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

ἀσθενεῖς12 of 20

“sick”

G772

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

καὶ13 of 20

“also”

G2532

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

ὀχλουμένους14 of 20

“them which were vexed”

G3791

to mob, i.e., (by implication) to harass

ὑπὸ15 of 20

“with”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

πνευμάτων16 of 20

“spirits”

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

ἀκαθάρτων17 of 20

“unclean”

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

οἵτινες18 of 20

“and they”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐθεραπεύοντο19 of 20

“were healed”

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

ἅπαντες20 of 20

“every one”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one


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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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