Acts 5:11
What does Acts 5:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:11 means
Great fear falls upon the whole church and all who hear of these events. This is the first time in Acts that the believers are explicitly called the church, highlighting their identity as God’s gathered people. The fear is not panic but reverent awe, a settled seriousness about God’s presence among them. The effect is broader than the immediate circle; news spreads, and the community’s reputation is shaped by God’s holiness. Such fear is the soil in which true worship and authentic witness grow. The verse teaches that a healthy church is marked by both love and reverence, holding God’s nearness and His majesty together.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then great fear came on all the church and on all who had knowledge of these things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and great fear came upon all the assembly, and upon all who heard these things.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And there came great fear upon the whole church and upon all that heard these things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And great fear came upon all the assembly, and upon all who heard these things.
Context
With the deaths and burials complete, Luke records the corporate impact. The statement functions as a hinge between the internal purification of the church and the external display of God’s power. Next, the narrative will highlight many signs and wonders through the apostles, along with unity among believers and the wary respect of outsiders. The fear described here helps explain why no one dared join lightly, yet many truly believed. It sets the tone for the boldness and credibility of the apostles’ ministry that immediately follows, as God continues to authenticate the message about Jesus.
v.10And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.
v.11This passage
v.12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people: and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:12
So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
- Acts 19:17
And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, that dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
- 1 Peter 1:17
And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:
- Jeremiah 32:40
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me.
- Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;
- Acts 5:5
And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it.
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