Acts 16:26
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Original Language Analysis
σεισμὸς
earthquake
G4578
σεισμὸς
earthquake
Strong's:
G4578
Word #:
3 of 22
a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake
ἐγένετο
there was
G1096
ἐγένετο
there was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
μέγας
a great
G3173
μέγας
a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
5 of 22
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ὥστε
so that
G5620
ὥστε
so that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
6 of 22
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
σαλευθῆναι
were shaken
G4531
σαλευθῆναι
were shaken
Strong's:
G4531
Word #:
7 of 22
to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεμέλια
the foundations
G2310
θεμέλια
the foundations
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
9 of 22
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνεῴχθησαν
were opened
G455
ἀνεῴχθησαν
were opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
12 of 22
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύραι
the doors
G2374
θύραι
the doors
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
16 of 22
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 4:31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.Acts 5:19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Acts 12:10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.Acts 12:7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.Psalms 146:7Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:Matthew 28:2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.Isaiah 42:7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.Psalms 102:20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;Revelation 11:13And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Historical Context
The miraculous earthquake in Philippi (AD 50) could have allowed escape, but Paul's compassion toward his jailer led to household conversion. This event established the Philippian church that became Paul's closest partner in ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God respond to worship even in dire circumstances?
- When should believers forgo exercising their rights for gospel opportunities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The earthquake that 'opened all the doors and loosed everyone's bands' demonstrated divine response to worship—God intervenes when His people praise. Yet Paul's decision not to escape but to prevent the jailer's suicide showed mission priority over personal freedom. This self-giving love prepared for the jailer's conversion.