Acts 8:17
What does Acts 8:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:17 means
Following their prayer, Peter and John laid their hands on the Samaritan believers, and as a direct result, these new disciples received the Holy Spirit. This physical act symbolized the transfer of authority and divine blessing, marking a distinct spiritual encounter for the Samaritans. This event validated their inclusion into the broader Christian community and confirmed that the Holy Spirit was now actively at work among them, just as He had been among the Jewish believers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then they put their hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came on them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862then were they laying hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then they laid their hands upon them: and they received the Holy Ghost.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received [the] Holy Spirit.
Context
This verse describes the successful outcome of Peter and John's mission, directly fulfilling their prayer in verse 15 and addressing the spiritual need clarified in verse 16. The visible impartation of the Holy Spirit sets the stage for the pivotal moment in the narrative: Simon's observation of this event and his subsequent attempt to purchase spiritual power, which reveals his unregenerate heart in the following verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
- Acts 9:17
And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Hebrews 6:2
of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
- 1 Timothy 5:22
Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
- Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
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