King James Version

What Does Acts 5:29 Mean?

Acts 5:29 in the King James Version says “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Acts 5:29 · KJV

Context

27

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Read Acts 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
We ought to obey God rather than men—Peter states the principle of civil disobedience when human authority contradicts divine command. The Greek 'peitharchein' (obey) denotes submission to authority; 'dei' (ought) indicates moral necessity, not mere preference. This doesn't advocate anarchism but establishes God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The apostles' defiance was specific and limited: they continued preaching Christ despite orders to stop, but didn't resist arrest or sentence. This principle later guided Christian martyrs refusing emperor worship while otherwise submitting to Roman law. Daniel 3 and 6 provide Old Testament parallels.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's response to the Sanhedrin's second prohibition against preaching (v.28). The high priest's accusation—'you intend to bring this man's blood upon us' (v.28)—shows the leaders' fear of being held accountable for Jesus' death. The apostles had been imprisoned, miraculously freed by an angel (v.19), and resumed teaching in the temple despite orders.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where is the line between submitting to governing authorities and obeying God's higher law?
  2. What contemporary issues might require Christians to say 'we ought to obey God rather than men'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 14

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 14

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 14
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 14

“Peter”

G4074

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

καὶ5 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ6 of 14
G3588

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

ἀπόστολοι7 of 14

“the other apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

εἶπον,8 of 14

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πειθαρχεῖν9 of 14

“to obey”

G3980

to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e., (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice

δεῖ10 of 14

“We ought”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

θεῷ11 of 14

“God”

G2316

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

μᾶλλον12 of 14

“rather”

G3123

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

ἢ13 of 14

“than”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀνθρώποις14 of 14

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 5:29 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 5:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 4:191 Samuel 15:24Mark 7:7-9Genesis 3:17Revelation 14:8-12

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 5 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes