Acts 12:6
What does Acts 12:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:6 means
On the very night before Herod intends to present him, Peter sleeps between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with additional guards at the door. The detail emphasizes impossibility—there is no human avenue of escape. Peter’s sleep also displays a remarkable calm under threat, a peace not rooted in naivety but in trust. The tight security ensures that any deliverance will be seen as God’s work alone. This verse slows the narrative, bringing us to the brink: the last night, the chains, the guards. The stage is perfectly set for God to act in a way that all will recognize as unmistakably His.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Herod was about to take him out, the same night Peter was sleeping in chains between two armed men, and the watchmen were keeping watch before the door of the prison.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night was Peter sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, guards also before the door were keeping the prison,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when Herod was going to bring him forth, that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door kept the prison.
Context
After noting the church’s prayers, the story returns to Peter’s cell. The timing—“when Herod was about to bring him forth”—builds suspense and highlights divine timing. The careful description of chains and guards prepares the reader for a miracle that overcomes every obstacle. Verses 7–10 will narrate the angelic rescue in concrete steps, underlining God’s initiative and Peter’s simple obedience. This framing makes clear that what follows is not a planned jailbreak but a gracious deliverance at the eleventh hour.
v.5Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
v.6This passage
v.7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 13:6
So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?
- Psalms 3:5
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me.
- Psalms 4:8
In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety.
- Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
- Acts 5:23
saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
- Matthew 28:4
and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…