Devine Scripture

Acts 2:37

What does Acts 2:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 2:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 2:37 means

The audience's response to Peter's sermon was profound conviction. They were 'pricked in their heart,' indicating a deep spiritual pain and remorse over their participation in crucifying Jesus, the Lord and Christ. Their subsequent question, 'Brethren, what shall we do?' reveals a genuine change of heart and an urgent desire to respond appropriately to the truth they had just heard. This powerful conviction is the first fruit of the Spirit's work through Peter's preaching.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when these words came to their ears their hearts were troubled, and they said to Peter and the other Apostles, Brothers, what are we to do?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having heard, they were pricked to the heart; they say also to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, `What shall we do, men, brethren?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now when they had heard these things, they had compunction in their heart and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: What shall we do, men and brethren?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having heard [it] they were pricked in heart, and said to Peter and the other apostles, What shall we do, brethren?

Context

This verse describes the immediate and overwhelming effect of Peter's sermon on the diverse Jewish crowd. Their hearts are 'pricked' by conviction, leading them to an urgent question about what action they should take. This sincere repentance then sets the stage for Peter's clear instructions regarding spiritual salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

v.36Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.

v.37This passage

v.38And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 7:54

    Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

  • Acts 22:10

    And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

  • Acts 9:5

    And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:

  • Luke 3:10

    And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

  • Luke 3:14

    And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages.

  • Acts 16:29

    And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas,

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