King James Version

What Does Acts 5:37 Mean?

Acts 5:37 in the King James Version says “After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished... — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 5:37 · KJV


Context

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:

39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judas of Galilee led another failed revolt, reinforcing Gamaliel's pattern of doomed human movements. The phrase 'perished' and 'scattered' emphasizes the futility of opposing God's purposes through mere human strength. Gamaliel's examples aim to calm the Sanhedrin's violent intentions, showing how God can use even incomplete theological reasoning to protect His people and advance His kingdom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judas of Galilee led a tax revolt in 6 AD when Rome instituted direct taxation in Judea. This spawned the Zealot movement's violent resistance to Rome. His death and followers' scattering followed the pattern of failed messianic movements. The 'taxing' refers to the census under Quirinius mentioned in Luke 2:2.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do failed historical religious and political movements demonstrate the unique divine authority behind Christianity?
  2. What does the pattern of scattered followers teach us about movements built on human charisma versus divine truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
μετὰ1 of 25

After

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοῦτον2 of 25

this man

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

ἀνέστη3 of 25

rose up

G450

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

Ἰούδας4 of 25

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

5 of 25
G3588

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

Γαλιλαῖος6 of 25

of Galilee

G1057

galilean or belonging to galilea

ἐν7 of 25

in

G1722

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

ταῖς8 of 25
G3588

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

ἡμέραις9 of 25

the 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

τῆς10 of 25
G3588

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

ἀπογραφῆς11 of 25

of the taxing

G582

an enrollment; by implication, an assessment

καὶ12 of 25

and

G2532

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

ἀπέστησεν13 of 25

drew away

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

λαὸν14 of 25

people

G2992

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

ἱκανὸν15 of 25

much

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

ὀπίσω16 of 25

after

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

αὐτῷ17 of 25

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

κἀκεῖνος18 of 25

he also

G2548

likewise that (or those)

ἀπώλετο19 of 25

perished

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

καὶ20 of 25

and

G2532

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

πάντες21 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσοι22 of 25

even as many as

G3745

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

ἐπείθοντο23 of 25

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 25

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

διεσκορπίσθησαν25 of 25

were dispersed

G1287

to dissipate, i.e., (genitive case) to rout or separate; specially, to winnow; figuratively, to squander


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 5:37 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 5:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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