Devine Scripture

Acts 12:13

What does Acts 12:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 12:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 12:13 means

At Peter’s knock, a servant girl named Rhoda comes to the gate. Her presence is significant: God’s story includes the humble and overlooked. She stands at the threshold where answered prayer meets ordinary duty. The verse slows the action to a domestic moment, reminding us that God’s great works arrive at front doors and in daily tasks. Rhoda’s attentive ear will soon recognize Peter’s voice, demonstrating that faithfulness in small responsibilities can position someone to become the first witness to a miracle’s result. The Lord’s providence weaves through ordinary people in ordinary places.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gave a blow on the door, and a young girl came to it, named Rhoda.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Peter having knocked at the door of the porch, there came a damsel to hearken, by name Rhoda,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken. whose name was Rhode.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he had knocked at the door of the entry, a maid came to listen, by name Rhoda;

Context

Peter, newly freed, has reached the praying community’s house. The scene shifts from angelic intervention to the gate of a home, grounding the miracle in everyday life. This verse sets up the comic-sincere twist of verse 14, where joy overtakes protocol, and prepares for the group’s skeptical response in verse 15. The narrative’s rhythm invites the reader to see how God’s extraordinary works intersect with very human reactions.

v.12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.

v.13This passage

v.14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.

Cross references

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

  • John 18:16

    but Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known unto the high priest, went out and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

  • Luke 13:25

    When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;

  • Acts 12:16

    But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.

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