Devine Scripture

Acts 10:34

What does Acts 10:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 10:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 10:34 means

Peter, responding to the convergence of visions and Cornelius's eager anticipation, declares a foundational truth: "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." This statement represents Peter's profound breakthrough, realizing that God does not show favoritism based on ethnicity, social status, or religious background. This insight, directly from his vision and the Spirit's leading, dismantles Jewish presuppositions about Gentile exclusion and opens the door for universal gospel proclamation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Peter said, Truly, I see clearly that God is no respecter of persons:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Peter having opened his mouth, said, `Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Peter opening his mouth, said: in very deed I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Peter opening his mouth said, Of a truth I perceive thatGod is no respecter of persons,

Context

Responding to Cornelius's testimony and the gathered Gentiles, Peter immediately articulates a profound theological insight, directly flowing from his vision: God's impartiality. This declaration is a pivotal moment, reorienting Peter's understanding of God's inclusive plan. This foundational truth directly precedes his explanation of who is acceptable to God and sets the stage for the gospel message that welcomes all nations.

v.33Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.

v.34This passage

v.35but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 10:17

    For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.

  • Luke 20:21

    And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:

  • Colossians 3:11

    where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

  • Matthew 22:16

    And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men.

  • Ephesians 6:9

    And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

  • Job 34:19

    That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.

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