Acts 10:16

What does Acts 10:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 10:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 10:16 means

The vision and the accompanying command and declaration happened three times, emphasizing the certainty and profound importance of the message. The repetition ensured Peter could not misunderstand. Immediately after the third instance, the sheet was taken back up to heaven, signifying the completion of the divine communication. The triple repetition underscores the weight and truth of God's newly revealed principle, preparing Peter for a radical shift in his understanding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this was done three times: and then the vessel was taken back into heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this was done thrice, and again was the vessel received up to the heaven.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this was done thrice. And presently the vessel was taken up into heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And this took place thrice, and the vessel was straightway taken up into heaven.

Context

This verse emphasizes the repetition of the vision three times, highlighting its divine authority and undeniable significance for Peter. This insistent repetition is crucial to solidify the message within Peter. The immediate reception of the vessel back into heaven signifies the end of the visionary instruction and immediately transitions to Peter's perplexed reflection and the arrival of Cornelius's messengers.

v.15And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common.

v.16This passage

v.17Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 41:32

    And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:1

    This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.

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