Acts 5:34
What does Acts 5:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:34 means
Gamaliel, a Pharisee and highly respected teacher of the law, stands and orders the apostles to be put outside briefly. His stature lends weight to his coming counsel. As a Pharisee, he differs from the Sadducees who dominate the council and oppose resurrection doctrine, which may make him more open to restraint. The removal of the apostles ensures a candid internal discussion. Gamaliel’s intervention is not an endorsement of the movement but a call to prudence. The verse sets the tone for a measured consideration rather than a rash, violent response in the heat of anger.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But one of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a man of learning in the law, of whom all the people had a high opinion, got up and made a suggestion for the men to be put outside for a little time.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but a certain one, having risen up in the sanhedrim--a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of law honoured by all the people--commanded to put the apostles forth a little,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But one in the council rising up, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, respected by all the people, commanded the men to be put forth a little while.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But a certain [man], a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honour of all the people, rose up in the council, and commanded to put the men out for a short while,
Context
At the moment of highest tension, Gamaliel emerges as a moderating voice. His authority calms the council and creates a pause. The next verses will record his argument from history, citing failed movements to suggest waiting rather than killing the apostles. This slows the pace and offers a different lens: If the work is human, it will collapse; if divine, they cannot stop it. His counsel will be adopted, leading to beating and release rather than execution, and thus allowing the gospel to spread further.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 2:46
And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:
- Acts 22:3
I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as ye all are this day:
- Psalms 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.
- Luke 5:17
And it came to pass on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who were come out of every village of Galilee and Judæa and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
- Acts 23:7
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.
- John 7:50
Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them),
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