Acts 1:24
What does Acts 1:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 1:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 1:24 means
Before making a final choice between the two candidates, the gathered believers engaged in prayer. They addressed the Lord, recognizing His omniscient knowledge of human hearts. Their prayer specifically asked God to reveal which of the two men He had already chosen, indicating their desire for divine guidance and acceptance of God's will over their own preferences.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom thou hast chosen,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom thou hast chosen,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they made prayers and said, Lord, having knowledge of the hearts of all men, make clear which of these two has been marked out by you,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having prayed, they said, `Thou, Lord, who art knowing the heart of all, shew which one thou didst choose of these two
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the heart of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they prayed, and said, Thou Lord, knower of the hearts of all, shew which one of these two thou hast chosen,
Context
This verse immediately follows the presentation of the two candidates in verse 23 and represents the critical step of seeking God's will. The communal prayer highlights the early church's reliance on divine guidance for important decisions, particularly regarding leadership. Their acknowledgement of God as the "knower of hearts" sets the stage for trusting the outcome of the selection process.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 6:12
And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
- Psalms 7:9
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the righteous: For the righteous God trieth the minds and hearts.
- 1 Samuel 16:7
But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.
- Romans 8:27
and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
- Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
- Psalms 44:21
Will not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
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