Acts 12:21
What does Acts 12:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:21 means
On a set day, Herod appears in royal attire, sits on the throne, and delivers an oration. The trappings of majesty—clothing, seat, occasion—are meant to project glory and command. The scene is deliberately ceremonial, inviting public acclaim. Everything centers on Herod’s image and voice. The verse draws attention to the external splendor of earthly kingship, setting up a test of whom glory belongs to. The contrast with the humble setting of Mary’s house is striking. Here, pomp fills the stage; soon, the response of the crowd and Herod’s reaction will determine the outcome before God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on the throne, and made an oration unto them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on the throne, and made an oration unto them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And on the day which had been fixed, Herod, dressed in his robes and seated in his place, made a public statement to them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and on a set day, Herod having arrayed himself in kingly apparel, and having sat down upon the tribunal, was making an oration unto them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And upon a day appointed, Herod being arrayed in kingly apparel, sat in the judgment seat and made an oration to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And on a set day, clothed in royal apparel and sitting on the elevated seat [of honour], Herod made a public oration to them.
Context
With the political tension in place, the narrative moves to the climactic moment of Herod’s self-exaltation. This verse situates the coming blasphemous flattery in a formal, public context, making what follows representative, not private. Verse 22 will record the crowd’s ascription of divinity to Herod’s voice. The next verse, 23, will show immediate divine judgment, tying Herod’s fate to his refusal to give God the glory.
v.20Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king’s country.
v.21This passage
v.22And the people shouted, saying, The voice of a god, and not of a man.
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