Devine Scripture

Acts 12:14

What does Acts 12:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 12:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 12:14 means

Recognizing Peter’s voice, Rhoda is overcome with joy and, in her excitement, forgets to open the gate. Instead, she runs to announce that Peter is outside. The details are charming and revealing: the church had prayed earnestly, yet the first response to news of answered prayer is chaotic delight. God’s grace often surprises us to the point of forgetfulness. Rhoda’s certainty about Peter’s voice underscores the reality of the deliverance, even before others see him. Joy is not always polished, but it is fitting when God moves. This verse shows the human side of faith: eager, messy, and real.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And hearing the voice of Peter, in her joy she went running, without opening the door, to say that Peter was outside.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having known the voice of Peter, from the joy she did not open the porch, but having run in, told of the standing of Peter before the porch,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as soon as she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy: but running in she told that Peter stood before the gate.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having recognised the voice of Peter, through joy did not open the entry, but running in, reported that Peter was standing before the entry.

Context

Standing between Peter’s knock and the group’s recognition, this verse pivots the scene toward communal reaction. Rhoda’s report will be met with doubt and alternative explanations in verse 15. The narrative lets tension rise: the delivered apostle waits outside while the prayer meeting debates. This framing magnifies the irony and prepares for the amazement that follows when they finally open the door in verse 16.

v.13And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.

v.14This passage

v.15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:41

    And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here anything to eat?

  • Matthew 28:8

    And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 12:14.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary