Acts 2:24
What does Acts 2:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:24 means
This verse delivers the central truth of the Gospel: God 'raised up' Jesus, conquering the power of death. The phrase 'having loosed the pangs of death' signifies death's inability to hold Jesus captive, as His resurrection was a necessary and triumphant act. Peter emphasizes that death could not retain its grip on Jesus, establishing Jesus' victory over sin and death, which is the foundation for all Christian hope and salvation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But God gave him back to life, having made him free from the pains of death because it was not possible for him to be overcome by it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whom God did raise up, having loosed the pains of the death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the sorrows of hell, as it was impossible that he should be holden by it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890WhomGod has raised up, having loosed the pains of death, inasmuch as it was not possible that he should be held by its power;
Context
Following the stark declaration of Jesus' crucifixion in the previous verse, this verse powerfully proclaims the core of Peter's message: God's resurrection of Jesus. This central truth immediately demonstrates God's sovereignty over death and validates Jesus' claims, setting the stage for Peter to provide scriptural proof of the resurrection through the words of King David.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 25:8
He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.
- Acts 13:30
But God raised him from the dead:
- Acts 1:16
Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
- Matthew 27:63
saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again.
- Revelation 1:18
and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.
- Acts 4:10
be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in him doth this man stand here before you whole.
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