Acts 12:22
And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ
of a god
G2316
Θεοῦ
of a god
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 9
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
φωνὴ
saying It is the voice
G5456
φωνὴ
saying It is the voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
6 of 9
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 13:4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?Daniel 6:7All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.Jude 1:16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Historical Context
Josephus (Antiquities 19.8.2) confirms this account, describing crowd's acclamation and Herod's acceptance of divine honors. Emperor cult pervaded Roman world; eastern provinces readily deified rulers. The crowd's declaration around 44 CE crossed God's line—attributing deity to mortal man. Herod's failure to reject this blasphemy invited immediate judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does accepting divine honor constitute blasphemy?
- What dangers exist in flattering leaders to godlike status?
- In what ways does crowd pressure tempt leaders toward pride?
- Why does God judge acceptance of worship belonging to Him alone?
- What does this teach about proper response when wrongly honored?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. The crowd's blasphemous flattery—calling Herod a god—represents ultimate human pride and sets immediate stage for divine judgment.