Acts 10:4
What does Acts 10:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 10:4 means
Cornelius, understandably awestruck and afraid, respectfully addresses the angel, demonstrating his humility and reverence. The angel immediately affirms that Cornelius's consistent prayers and charitable acts have been noticed and remembered by God. This is not to say that these good works earned his salvation, but rather they served as a memorial, evidence of a heart open to God, prompting divine response and paving the way for God’s saving grace through Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he, looking on him in fear, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and your offerings have come up to God, and he has kept them in mind.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he having looked earnestly on him, and becoming afraid, said, `What is it, Lord?' And he said to him, `Thy prayers and thy kind acts came up for a memorial before God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he, beholding him. being seized with fear, said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he, having fixed his eyes upon him, and become full of fear, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thine alms have gone up for a memorial beforeGod.
Context
This verse directly follows the appearance of the angel to Cornelius, detailing his fearful but reverent response. The angel's affirmation of Cornelius's prayers and alms as a "memorial before God" explains *why* God is now initiating contact with him. This conversation directly sets up the angel's crucial instruction in the next verses, which will lead Cornelius to seek out Peter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 141:2
Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee; The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- Matthew 26:13
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
- Hebrews 6:10
for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.
- 1 Samuel 3:10
And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
- Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
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