Acts 2:29
What does Acts 2:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 2:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 2:29 means
Peter carefully explains that while David spoke these words, they cannot ultimately refer to himself. He provides irrefutable evidence: David both died and was buried, and his tomb remained a visible monument in Jerusalem 'unto this day.' This historical fact proves that David himself 'saw corruption' and his soul remained in Hades, meaning his prophetic words pointed to someone else—the Messiah—who would conquer death, laying the foundation for Jesus' bodily resurrection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My brothers, I may say to you openly that David came to his death, and was put in the earth, and his resting-place is with us today.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Men, brethren! it is permitted to speak with freedom unto you concerning the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us unto this day;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Ye men, brethren, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David: that he died and was buried; and his sepulchre is with us to this present say.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Brethren, let it be allowed to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he has both died and been buried, and his monument is amongst us unto this day.
Context
Having quoted David's prophetic psalm, Peter now moves to systematically apply it. This verse directly refutes the idea that the prophecy could refer to David himself, citing the undeniable historical fact of David's death, burial, and existing tomb. This crucial distinction sets up Peter's explicit declaration that David was prophesying about the Messiah and His resurrection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 2:10
And David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
- Acts 13:36
For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
- Acts 26:26
For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.
- Hebrews 7:4
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils.
- Nehemiah 3:16
After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and unto the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty men.
- Acts 7:8
And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 2.
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 The Church
The church, in its various forms, is a central theme in Scripture, revealing God's plan for humanity's redemption and community
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
What the Bible says about…