Acts 5:14
What does Acts 5:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:14 means
Despite outsiders’ caution, many are genuinely added to the Lord—multitudes of both men and women. The phrase “added to the Lord” shows that conversion is not merely joining a group; it is union with the risen Jesus. Growth is substantial and balanced, highlighting the broad reach of the gospel. Authentic faith thrives in an atmosphere of reverent fear and evident power. This verse demonstrates that God’s purification of His people does not stifle mission; it deepens it. The church’s expansion is God’s work through the apostles’ witness, validating that the message about Jesus is advancing with life-changing effect across the city.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And a great number of men and women had faith, and were joined to the Lord;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862(and the more were believers added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women,)
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord was more increased:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and believers were more than ever added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women;)
Context
Following the reserved admiration of outsiders, Luke emphasizes that real conversions continue in large numbers. The focus returns to God’s saving activity, not merely public perception. Next, the narrative describes extraordinary scenes of people bringing the sick into the streets and from surrounding cities, seeking healing. The church’s growth produces practical implications: crowds, needs, and movement beyond Jerusalem’s immediate center. This rising tide of blessing also fuels the jealousy and opposition of the religious leadership, which will erupt in arrests and interrogation in the verses that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 8:3
But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison.
- Acts 2:41
They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.
- Exodus 35:22
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, and ear-rings, and signet-rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man that offered an offering of gold unto Jehovah.
- Acts 9:42
And it became known throughout all Joppa: and many believed on the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 11:11
Nevertheless, neither is the woman without the man, nor the man without the woman, in the Lord.
- Nehemiah 8:2
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
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