Acts 5:36
What does Acts 5:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:36 means
Gamaliel recalls Theudas, who claimed to be somebody and gathered about four hundred men. He was killed, and his followers dispersed, and the movement ended. The example illustrates the pattern of charismatic, human-led revolts that flare up and quickly vanish. By invoking a known episode, Gamaliel grounds his counsel in shared history. The lesson is that self-exalting leaders without God’s backing cannot sustain a cause. The apostles, by contrast, do not promote themselves but witness to the risen Christ. The comparison invites the council to consider whether this movement bears marks of human ambition or divine mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nought.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nought.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For before this there was Theudas, who said he was someone important, to whom about four hundred men gave their support: he was put to death, and his band was broken up and came to nothing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for before these days rose up Theudas, saying, that himself was some one, to whom a number of men did join themselves, as it were four hundred, who was slain, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered, and came to nought.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For before these days rose up Theodas, affirming himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. Who was slain: and all that believed him were scattered and brought to nothing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for before these days Theudas rose up, alleging himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were joined; who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing.
Context
This is the first of two examples in Gamaliel’s speech. By citing Theudas, he establishes a precedent that failed movements die with their leaders. The next verse will offer a second case, Judas of Galilee during the enrollment, whose revolt also ended in scattering. These examples set up Gamaliel’s principle that human-origin causes fade. The narrative’s pace slows, giving the council time to reflect and the reader to see the logic that will restrain the council from immediate lethal action.
v.35And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do.
v.36This passage
v.37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 17:5
and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,
- Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
- Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who beforetime in the city used sorcery, and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
- Galatians 2:6
But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)—they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:
- 2 Peter 2:2
And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Obedience
Obedience to God is a foundational principle in the Christian faith, demonstrating our love and trust in Him.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…