Devine Scripture

Acts 4:19

What does Acts 4:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 4:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 4:19 means

Peter and John, faced with the Sanhedrin's clear command, boldly responded with a foundational principle of obedience: they refused to prioritize human authority over God's. They challenged the council to judge whether it was truly right in God's sight to obey them rather than God. This response was not an act of civil disobedience for its own sake, but a declaration of allegiance to a higher divine authority, establishing a precedent for conscientious objection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Peter and John in answer said to them, It is for you to say if it is right in the eyes of God to give attention to you more than to God:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Peter and John answering unto them said, `Whether it is righteous before God to hearken to you rather than to God, judge ye;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Peter and John answering, said to them: If it be just, in the sight of God, to hear you rather than God, judge ye.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Peter and John answering said to them, If it be righteous beforeGod to listen to you rather than toGod, judge ye;

Context

This verse contains the apostles' resolute and principled response to the Sanhedrin's command, asserting the supremacy of God's authority. It immediately follows the legal injunction, providing their direct retort. This pivotal declaration establishes the moral and spiritual grounds for their continued ministry, framing the conflict as one between God's will and human decrees.

v.18And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

v.19This passage

v.20for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

  • Exodus 1:17

    But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

  • 1 Kings 22:14

    And Micaiah said, As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak.

  • Acts 5:29

    But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.

  • Revelation 13:3

    And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;

  • Matthew 22:21

    They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 4:19.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary