Acts 7:54
What does Acts 7:54 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 7:54 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 7:54 means
On hearing these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at Stephen. Conviction without repentance hardens into rage. Stephen’s words pierced, but instead of yielding, they bristled. The gnashing of teeth signifies uncontrolled fury and hatred of the truth. This response mirrors Israel’s historical pattern: faced with a faithful messenger, many chose hostility. Stephen’s bold, Spirit-filled testimony brought matters to decision. The scene prepares for God’s vindication of His servant through a heavenly vision, contrasting the council’s earthly rage with Stephen’s sight of glory, and demonstrating that truth, though resisted, is honored by God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Hearing these things, they were cut to the heart and moved with wrath against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And hearing these things, they were cut to the hearts, and did gnash the teeth at him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart: and they gnashed with their teeth at him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And hearing these things they were cut to the heart, and gnashed their teeth against him.
Context
Stephen’s indictment (verses 51–53) meets with fierce anger. Verse 54 signals the narrative pivot from speech to martyrdom. Next, verses 55–56 will report Stephen’s Spirit-filled gaze into heaven and his vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand. The contrast between their fury and Stephen’s serenity and vision sets up the mob’s violent outburst (verses 57–58) and Stephen’s Christlike prayers during stoning (verses 59–60).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 13:42
and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
- Matthew 25:30
And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
- Psalms 35:16
Like the profane mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth.
- Matthew 24:51
and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
- Acts 22:22
And they gave him audience unto this word; and they lifted up their voice, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
- Job 16:9
He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
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