Acts 13:34
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
as concerning that
G3754
ὅτι
as concerning that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀνέστησεν
he raised
G450
ἀνέστησεν
he raised
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
3 of 21
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
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
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
μέλλοντα
to
G3195
μέλλοντα
to
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
8 of 21
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
ὑποστρέφειν
return
G5290
ὑποστρέφειν
return
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
9 of 21
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὕτως
on this wise
G3779
οὕτως
on this wise
Strong's:
G3779
Word #:
12 of 21
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
εἴρηκεν
he said
G2046
εἴρηκεν
he said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
13 of 21
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
ὅτι
as concerning that
G3754
ὅτι
as concerning that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Δώσω
I will give
G1325
Δώσω
I will give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅσια
mercies
G3741
ὅσια
mercies
Strong's:
G3741
Word #:
18 of 21
properly, right (by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from 1342, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from g2413, whic
Historical Context
Paul delivered this sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (c. AD 47-48) during his first missionary journey. He addressed Jews and God-fearing Gentiles who knew Isaiah's prophecies and the Davidic covenant promises. Isaiah 55:3 was understood messianically in Second Temple Judaism—the 'sure mercies' anticipated Messiah's fulfillment of God's covenant with David. Paul's argument required proving Jesus's resurrection was permanent, not temporary resuscitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's permanent resurrection (never returning to corruption) secure the 'sureness' of God's covenant promises?
- What does it mean that the Davidic covenant's blessings are now available through Christ's victory over death?
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Analysis & Commentary
"I will give you the sure mercies of David" (τὰ ὅσια Δαυὶδ τὰ πιστά, ta hosia Dauid ta pista)—Paul quotes Isaiah 55:3, connecting Christ's resurrection to the Davidic covenant's irrevocable promises. The Greek hosia means "holy things" or "covenant mercies," while pista emphasizes their certainty and faithfulness. These mercies are "sure" because Christ "raised...from the dead, now no more to return to corruption" conquered death permanently.
Unlike David, who died and saw corruption (v. 36), Jesus rose never to die again (Romans 6:9). The "sure mercies" depend on an eternal King—if Messiah remained dead, the covenant fails. Paul's logic: God promised David an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16), Christ's irreversible resurrection proves He is that eternal heir, therefore the covenant blessings are guaranteed through Him. This quote from Isaiah's restoration prophecy shows the New Covenant's foundation in Christ's victory over death.