Acts 4:16
What does Acts 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:16 means
During their private conference, the Sanhedrin acknowledged the undeniable reality of the miracle performed through Peter and John. They openly admitted that a "notable miracle" had indeed been wrought and that this fact was "manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem" and could not be denied. Their concern was not the truth of the healing, but its widespread public recognition and the implications for their own authority and control.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Saying, What are we to do with these men? for certainly it is clear to all who are living in Jerusalem that a most important sign has been done by them, and it is not possible to say that it is not so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862saying, `What shall we do to these men? because that, indeed, a notable sign hath been done through them, to all those dwelling in Jerusalem <FI>is<Fi> manifest, and we are not able to deny <FI>it<Fi> ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Saying: What shall we do to these men? For indeed a miracle hath been done by them, known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is manifest: and we cannot deny it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed an evident sign has come to pass through their means is manifest to all that inhabit Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
Context
This verse reveals the substance of the Sanhedrin's private deliberation, confirming their admission of the miracle's authenticity. It directly elaborates on the reason for their command for the apostles to withdraw. This internal confession underscores their spiritual blindness, as they prioritize political expediency and reputation over embracing a truth undeniable even to themselves.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
- Acts 6:10
And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.
- Matthew 27:16
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
- John 12:18
For this cause also the multitude went and met him, for that they heard that he had done this sign.
- Acts 3:7
And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength.
- Daniel 8:5
And as I was considering, behold, a he-goat came from the west over the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
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