Acts 1:9
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπέλαβεν
received
G5274
ὑπέλαβεν
received
Strong's:
G5274
Word #:
9 of 14
to take from below, i.e., carry upward; figuratively, to take up, i.e., continue a discourse or topic; mentally, to assume (presume)
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
out of
G575
ἀπὸ
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 14
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Daniel 7:13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.Acts 1:2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:Exodus 19:9And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.Isaiah 19:1The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.John 6:62What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?Luke 21:27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.Revelation 11:12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.Psalms 68:18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Historical Context
Occurred on Mount of Olives forty days after resurrection (Acts 1:3). The bodily ascension was witnessed by the eleven apostles plus other disciples. This location connects to Zechariah 14:4's prophecy of Messiah's feet standing on the Mount of Olives at his return.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' bodily ascension affect your understanding of his current ministry as High Priest?
- In what ways should Christ's promised return shape your daily priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A cloud received him out of their sight—The visible, bodily ascension confirmed Jesus' return to heavenly glory, echoing the cloud of God's presence (Shekinah) in Israel's wilderness wandering and Ezekiel's visions. Luke emphasizes the physical reality: disciples watched until Jesus disappeared, precluding allegorical interpretations. The ascension validates Christ's completed work, current heavenly intercession (Hebrews 7:25), and coming return. This 'cloud' recalls Daniel 7:13's 'Son of Man' coming with clouds—reversed at ascension but to be repeated at the Second Coming.