Acts 12:23
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
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
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
5 of 18
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀνθ
because
G473
ἀνθ
because
Strong's:
G473
Word #:
7 of 18
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
ὧν
G3739
ὧν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκεν
he gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
he gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
12 of 18
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γενόμενος
he was
G1096
γενόμενος
he was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
16 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 115:1Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.2 Thessalonians 2:4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.1 Samuel 25:38And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.Isaiah 66:24And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.Isaiah 51:8For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.Ezekiel 28:2Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:Isaiah 14:11Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.Isaiah 37:23Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.Job 19:26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:Job 7:5My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.
Historical Context
Herod Agrippa I died in Caesarea (AD 44) during festivals honoring Caesar, according to Josephus who confirms the worm-eaten death. His acceptance of crowd's acclamation ('voice of a god, not man,' v. 22) constituted explicit blasphemy meriting immediate judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Herod's judgment teach about God's response to human pride and self-deification?
- How should believers guard against more subtle forms of glory-stealing today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Herod's immediate divine judgment ('the angel of the Lord smote him') for accepting worship demonstrates God's jealous protection of His glory. The gruesome death by worms ('eaten of worms') serves as vivid warning against usurping divine honor. This judgment recalls similar Old Testament deaths of those claiming divine status.