King James Version

What Does Acts 5:34 Mean?

Acts 5:34 in the King James Version says “Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the... — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Acts 5:34 · KJV


Context

32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

34

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. obeyed: or, believed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gamaliel's intervention - 'Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space' - introduces providential restraint. The Greek 'nomididaskalos' (doctor of the law) indicates expert teacher. His 'reputation among all the people' gave him authority the council respected. Removing apostles allowed frank discussion. Gamaliel's wisdom, though not saving faith, served God's purposes in protecting His servants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gamaliel was Rabban Gamaliel I, grandson of Hillel, one of Judaism's most revered teachers. Paul studied under him (Acts 22:3). His moderate approach contrasted with Sadducean zealotry. Jewish tradition credits him with important legal reforms. His intervention demonstrated God's use of unlikely instruments for kingdom purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use unlikely sources (Gamaliel's prudence without faith) to protect His purposes?
  2. What does Gamaliel's reputation enabling his counsel teach about providentially-prepared influence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἀναστὰς1 of 21

stood there up

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

δέ2 of 21

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

τί3 of 21

a

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐν4 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ5 of 21
G3588

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

συνεδρίῳ6 of 21

the council

G4892

a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal

Φαρισαῖος7 of 21

a Pharisee

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ὀνόματι8 of 21

named

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Γαμαλιήλ9 of 21

Gamaliel

G1059

gamaliel (i.e., gamliel), an israelite

νομοδιδάσκαλος10 of 21

a doctor of the law

G3547

an expounder of the (jewish) law, i.e., a rabbi

τίμιος11 of 21

had in reputation

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

παντὶ12 of 21

among all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ13 of 21
G3588

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

λαῷ14 of 21

the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

ἐκέλευσεν15 of 21

and commanded

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

ἔξω16 of 21

forth

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

βραχὺ17 of 21

little space

G1024

short (of time, place, quantity, or number)

τί18 of 21

a

G5100

some or any person or object

τοὺς19 of 21
G3588

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

ἀποστόλους20 of 21

the apostles

G652

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

ποιῆσαι21 of 21

to put

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 5:34 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 5:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study