Acts 13:37
What does Acts 13:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:37 means
In direct contrast to King David, Paul declares that 'he whom God raised up saw no corruption.' This statement unequivocally asserts that Jesus's body, unlike David's, did not undergo physical decay in the tomb. This fulfillment of Psalm 16:10 confirms Jesus's unique status as the 'Holy One' of God and validates His resurrection as a physical, incorruptible event. It is a powerful theological and historical underpinning for the gospel, distinguishing Jesus as distinct from all other human leaders, including David, and proving His divine identity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but he whom God raised up saw no corruption.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but he whom God raised up saw no corruption.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he, who was lifted up by God, did not see destruction.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but he whom God did raise up, did not see corruption.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he whom God hath raised from the dead saw no corruption.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he whomGod raised up did not see corruption.
Context
Following the clear demonstration in verse 36 that King David saw corruption, this verse delivers the decisive conclusion: only Jesus, whom God raised, saw no corruption. This statement provides the powerful contrast that culminates Paul's scriptural argument for Jesus's unique resurrection. This foundational truth of Jesus's incorruptible body directly precedes Paul's essential gospel message in verses 38-39, where he explains *what* this resurrected Christ offers humanity: remission of sins and justification outside the law of Moses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 13:30
But God raised him from the dead:
- Acts 2:24
whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
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