Devine Scripture

Acts 13:23

What does Acts 13:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 13:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 13:23 means

Having laid out Israel's history, Paul brings his message to its climax: from the lineage of David, God, according to His promise, has brought forth a Savior for Israel—Jesus. This verse definitively identifies Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to David concerning an eternal descendant who would rule. This declaration connects Jesus directly to the prophetic hopes of Israel, presenting Him as the culmination of God's redemptive plan throughout their history.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Of this man’s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Of this man’s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

From this man's seed has God given to Israel a Saviour, even Jesus, as he gave his word;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Of this one's seed God, according to promise, did raise to Israel a Saviour--Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Of this man's seed, God, according to his promise, hath raised up to Israel a Saviour Jesus:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Of this man's seed according to promise hasGod brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus;

Context

After establishing David's kingship and God's promise to him in verse 22, this verse makes the pivotal transition to Jesus Christ. This is the central point of Paul's sermon, directly linking the Messianic promise with Jesus. This declaration is immediately followed by the historical context of John the Baptist's preparatory ministry, detailed in verses 24-25, which further validates Jesus's identity and importance, setting the stage for the proclamation of salvation through Him.

v.22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who shall do all my will.

v.23This passage

v.24when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 1:31

    And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

  • John 7:42

    Hath not the scripture said that the Christ cometh of the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?

  • 2 Samuel 7:12

    When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • Matthew 22:42

    saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

  • Psalms 132:11

    Jehovah hath sworn unto David in truth; He will not turn from it: Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

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