Acts 4:26
What does Acts 4:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:26 means
Continuing to quote Psalm 2, the believers prayed about "the kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed." They recognized this ancient prophecy's relevance to their current situation, where earthly powers, represented by the Sanhedrin, had indeed arrayed themselves against Jesus, God's Messiah, and by extension, against His followers. This showed their deep grasp of Scripture and its application.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:
KJV
King James Version · 1611The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The kings of the earth were lifted up, the rulers came together, against the Lord, and against his Christ:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The kings of the earth stood up: and the princes assembled together against the Lord and his Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The kings of the earth were there, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ.
Context
This verse further extrapolates from Psalm 2 within the corporate prayer, applying the prophetic imagery of kings and rulers opposing God and His Anointed. It directly builds on the previous verse's introduction of the psalm, connecting the historical prophecy to their contemporary situation. This extended quotation prepares for the specific application of the prophecy to the actions of Herod and Pilate in the subsequent verses.
v.25who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?
v.26This passage
v.27for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 2:2
The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
- Revelation 17:17
For God did put in their hearts to do his mind, and to come to one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.
- Acts 10:38
even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
- Revelation 19:16
And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
- Hebrews 1:9
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
- Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Boldness
Bible verses about boldness reveal how believers can stand firm in faith, speak truth, and overcome fear through God’s strength.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
What the Bible says about…