Acts 1:16
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
and brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
and brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 25
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἔδει
must
G1163
ἔδει
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
3 of 25
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
πληρωθῆναι
needs have been fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῆναι
needs have been fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
4 of 25
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴν
scripture
G1124
γραφὴν
scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
6 of 25
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ταύτην,
G3778
ταύτην,
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 25
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
13 of 25
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
15 of 25
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Ἰούδα
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδα
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
18 of 25
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενομένου
was
G1096
γενομένου
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
20 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συλλαβοῦσιν
to them that took
G4815
συλλαβοῦσιν
to them that took
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
23 of 25
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
Cross References
Psalms 41:9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.Acts 1:20For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.Matthew 26:56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?Matthew 26:47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.Mark 14:43And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.1 Peter 1:11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.Acts 13:38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:Acts 23:1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
Historical Context
Peter quotes Psalm 41:9 regarding betrayal by a close companion. Early Christians regularly found Christ and His circumstances prefigured in David's psalms, establishing the christological reading of Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding divine sovereignty over evil comfort you without excusing human responsibility?
- What does Scripture's 'necessity' teach about God's control over history's darkest moments?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter attributes Judas' betrayal to Scripture's necessity - 'this scripture must needs have been fulfilled.' The phrase 'the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David' affirms the Spirit's authorship of Scripture through human writers. Divine sovereignty over even betrayal demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted.