Devine Scripture

Acts 1:20

What does Acts 1:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 1:20 means

Peter returns to his argument about the scriptural necessity of replacing Judas, citing two passages from the book of Psalms. The first predicts the desolation of his dwelling, implying an empty place. The second, more directly, states, "His office let another take." These prophecies from the Old Testament provide the divine justification for filling the vacant apostleship, demonstrating that their actions align with God's preordained plan.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be made desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and, His office let another take.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be made desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and, His office let another take.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For in the book of Psalms it says, Let his house be waste, and let no man be living in it: and, Let his position be taken by another.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it hath been written in the book of Psalms: Let his lodging-place become desolate, and let no one be dwelling in it, and his oversight let another take.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein. And his bishopric let another take.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For it is written in [the] book of Psalms, Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no dweller in it; and, Let another take his overseership.

Context

Following the digression about Judas's death (verses 18-19), Peter resumes his impassioned argument by citing prophetic Scripture. This verse is crucial as it provides the direct biblical mandate for replacing Judas, establishing that the vacancy of his "office" was anticipated by God. This scriptural foundation lays out the divine justification for the apostles' subsequent decision to choose a new member of the twelve.

v.19And it became known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch that in their language that field was called Akeldama, that is, The field of blood.)

v.20This passage

v.21Of the men therefore that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 69:25

    Let their habitation be desolate; Let none dwell in their tents.

  • Acts 1:25

    to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

  • Psalms 109:8

    Let his days be few; Andlet another take his office.

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