Acts 13:35
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
δώσεις
psalm Thou shalt
G1325
δώσεις
psalm Thou shalt
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 12
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅσιόν
Holy One
G3741
ὅσιόν
Holy One
Strong's:
G3741
Word #:
9 of 12
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 preached this sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch (c. AD 47-48) during his first missionary journey. His audience included both Jews and 'God-fearing' Gentiles familiar with the Psalms. The synagogue's liturgical practice of reading the Law and Prophets (v. 15) provided the invitation for Paul's exposition connecting David's psalms to Jesus's resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's exegetical method of connecting Old Testament prophecy to Christ's resurrection inform how we should read the Psalms?
- Why is the incorruptibility of Jesus's body (no decay) theologically significant for our own resurrection hope?
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption—Paul quotes Psalm 16:10 as his second messianic proof text, after citing Psalm 2:7. The Greek hosion (ὅσιον, 'Holy One') translates Hebrew hasid (חָסִיד), meaning 'faithful' or 'covenant-loyal one.' The word diaphthoran (διαφθοράν, 'corruption') refers to bodily decay, not mere death.
Paul's argument is exegetical brilliance: David died and decayed (v. 36), therefore he couldn't be speaking of himself. The psalm must prophesy the Messiah who would conquer death through resurrection. The 'Holy One' who sees no corruption can only be Jesus, whose body was raised incorruptible on the third day. This early apostolic preaching shows resurrection as central to gospel proclamation from the beginning.