King James Version
Acts 5:38 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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:”
Acts 5:38 · KJV
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
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
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:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
“I say”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“Refrain”
G868to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
“from”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“if”
G1437a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
“be”
G5600(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“it will come to nought”
G2647to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
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.
Acts 5:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Acts 5:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge