Devine Scripture

Acts 1:9

What does Acts 1:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 1:9 means

Immediately after giving these final instructions, Jesus was visibly "taken up" into heaven while the disciples watched. A cloud then enveloped Him, removing Him from their sight. This physical ascension underscores the literal translation of Jesus from earth to heaven, marking the completion of His post-resurrection ministry and His return to God the Father. It's a key historical event, affirming His divine nature.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had said these things, while they were looking, he was taken up, and went from their view into a cloud.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And these things having said--they beholding--he was taken up, and a cloud did receive him up from their sight;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having said these things he was taken up, they beholding [him], and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Context

This verse describes the dramatic event of Jesus' ascension, which directly follows His final charge to the disciples in verse 8. Their eyewitness observation of His departure is critical, as it confirms His resurrection and glorification. The suddenness and visual nature of this event naturally lead into the disciples' reaction and the angelic appearance in the subsequent verses.

v.8But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

v.9This passage

v.10And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold two men stood by them in white apparel;

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:50

    And he led them out untilthey were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

  • Ephesians 4:8

    Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.

  • Exodus 19:9

    And Jehovah said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and may also believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto Jehovah.

  • John 6:62

    What then if ye should behold the Son of man ascending where he was before?

  • Exodus 34:5

    And Jehovah descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of Jehovah.

  • Revelation 1:7

    Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen.

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