Acts 4:29
What does Acts 4:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:29 means
Having affirmed God's sovereignty over past events, the believers turned to their present predicament. They petitioned the Lord to "look upon their threatenings" – referring to the Sanhedrin's threats against Peter and John. More significantly, they prayed not for relief from persecution, but for spiritual enablement: that God would grant His servants continued "boldness" to speak His word, even in the face of danger. This revealed their focus on obedience and witness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now, Lord, take note of their cruel words, and give your servants power to be preachers of your word without fear,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and grant to Thy servants with all freedom to speak Thy word,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants that with all confidence they may speak thy word,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings, and give to thy bondmen with all boldness to speak thy word,
Context
This verse marks a shift in the corporate prayer from theological reflection to specific petition concerning their current persecution. It immediately follows their affirmation of God's sovereignty, building confidence for their request. This prayer for boldness, rather than safety, highlights their commitment to the gospel and sets the stage for God's powerful response, demonstrating a profound trust in His purposes.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2
but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.
- Isaiah 37:17
Incline thine ear, O Jehovah, and hear; open thine eyes, O Jehovah, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to defy the living God.
- 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.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
- Acts 14:3
Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
- Acts 4:21
And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.
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