King James Version

What Does Acts 5:36 Mean?

Acts 5:36 in the King James Version says “For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joi... — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 5:36 · KJV


Context

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

37

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. obeyed: or, believed

38

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gamaliel cites historical precedent—Theudas's failed rebellion. His argument follows a pattern: false movements collapse without divine support. While Gamaliel's theology is incomplete (suggesting a 'wait and see' approach), his providential reasoning contains truth: God-ordained movements cannot be stopped by human opposition. This principle undergirds Christian confidence in the church's eventual triumph despite persecution.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Theudas led a messianic revolt sometime before 6 AD, claiming prophetic authority. Josephus records a different Theudas around 44 AD, creating chronological questions. Many messianic pretenders arose in first-century Judea, exploiting Roman occupation resentment. Most ended in violence and followers' dispersion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the collapse of false religious movements throughout history testify to the divine origin of Christianity's endurance?
  2. What dangers exist in Gamaliel's 'wait and see' approach to religious truth rather than active investigation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
πρὸ1 of 29

before

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

γὰρ2 of 29

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τούτων3 of 29

these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

τῶν4 of 29
G3588

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

ἡμερῶν5 of 29

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἀνέστη6 of 29

rose up

G450

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

Θευδᾶς7 of 29

Theudas

G2333

theudas, an israelite

λέγων8 of 29

boasting

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

εἶναί9 of 29

to be

G1511

to exist

τινα10 of 29

somebody

G5100

some or any person or object

ἑαυτόν11 of 29

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ὃς12 of 29

to whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προσεκολλήθη13 of 29

joined themselves

G4347

to glue to, i.e., (figuratively) to adhere

ἀριθμὸς14 of 29

a number

G706

a number (as reckoned up)

ἀνδρῶν15 of 29

of men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ὡσεὶ16 of 29

about

G5616

as if

τετρακοσίων·17 of 29

four hundred

G5071

four hundred

ὃς18 of 29

to whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀνῃρέθη19 of 29

was slain

G337

to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

καὶ20 of 29

and

G2532

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

πάντες21 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσοι22 of 29

as many as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐπείθοντο23 of 29

obeyed

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

αὐτῷ24 of 29

him

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

διελύθησαν25 of 29

were scattered

G1262

to dissolve utterly

καὶ26 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἐγένοντο27 of 29

brought

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς28 of 29

to

G1519

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

οὐδέν29 of 29

nought

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing


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 5:36 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 5:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study