Acts 11:7
What does Acts 11:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 11:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 11:7 means
During the vision, Peter heard a clear voice commanding him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." This direct instruction immediately confronted his deeply ingrained Jewish dietary laws and distinctions between clean and unclean foods. The command was both a test of his obedience and a prelude to a larger theological lesson about God's inclusive grace. The divine imperative to consume these animals highlighted a dramatic shift in God's perspective, preparing Peter for radical changes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I heard also a voice saying unto me, Rise, Peter; kill and eat.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I heard also a voice saying unto me, Rise, Peter; kill and eat.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And a voice came to my ears saying, Come, Peter; take them for food.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I heard a voice saying to me, Having risen, Peter, slay and eat;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I heard also a voice saying to me: Arise, Peter. Kill and eat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I heard also a voice saying to me, Rise up, Peter, slay and eat.
Context
This verse presents the explicit divine command within Peter's vision, directly challenging his Jewish dietary laws. It immediately precedes his protest, setting up the direct conflict between Peter's ingrained understanding and God's new revelation. This command is a turning point in his recounting, powerfully illustrating the divine authority behind his later actions and preparing his audience for the theological resolution of the vision.
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