Acts 5:37
What does Acts 5:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:37 means
Gamaliel mentions Judas of Galilee, who rose during the enrollment and drew followers after him. He also perished, and his followers were scattered. This second example reinforces the point: movements birthed in human zeal and political defiance collapse when their leader is gone. The pattern suggests that durability is a sign worth watching. By implication, if the apostles’ cause survives and grows despite threats and deaths, something more than human momentum may be at work. The verse strengthens Gamaliel’s argument through repetition and reinforces the wisdom of restraint.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000After 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901After 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949After this man, there was Judas of Galilee, at the time of the numbering, and some of the people went after him: he was put to death, and all his supporters were put to flight.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`After this one rose up, Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrolment, and drew away much people after him, and that one perished, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752After this man, rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the enrolling, and drew away the people after him. He also perished: and all, even as many as consented to him, were dispersed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890After him rose Judas the Galilean in the days of the census, and drew away [a number of] people after him; and he perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
Context
Continuing his historical reasoning, Gamaliel adds another failed uprising to confirm his point. With two examples established, he is ready to draw a principle and make a recommendation. The next verses present his conclusion: refrain from these men; if their work is of men, it will fail; if of God, you cannot stop it and may be fighting against God. This progression moves from history to theology, from observation to humility before God’s sovereignty. The council will accept this counsel, though still inflicting punishment.
v.36For 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.
v.37This passage
v.38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 2:1
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.
- Matthew 26:52
Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
- Psalms 7:14
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; Yea, he hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
- Psalms 9:15
The nations are sunk down in the pit that they made: In the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
- Job 20:5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless but for a moment?
- Luke 13:1
Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
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…