Acts 2:26
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
εὐφράνθη
did
G2165
εὐφράνθη
did
Strong's:
G2165
Word #:
3 of 20
to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδία
heart
G2588
καρδία
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 20
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλῶσσά
tongue
G1100
γλῶσσά
tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
10 of 20
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρξ
flesh
G4561
σάρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
16 of 20
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
κατασκηνώσει
shall rest
G2681
κατασκηνώσει
shall rest
Strong's:
G2681
Word #:
18 of 20
to camp down, i.e., haunt; figuratively, to remain
Cross References
Psalms 16:9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.Psalms 63:5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:Psalms 71:23My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites lacked clear resurrection doctrine until later prophetic revelation (Daniel 12:2, Isaiah 26:19). David's confidence, though imperfect, anticipated fuller New Testament revelation. His faith rested on covenant faithfulness: God who promised eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7) must raise his descendant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does resurrection hope transform your view of death from enemy to 'rest'?
- What role does Old Testament saints' partial knowledge play in appreciating New Testament revelation's fullness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's joy ('my tongue was glad') and hope ('my flesh shall rest in hope') arise from resurrection confidence, not circumstances. The Greek 'kataskenösei' (shall rest) means 'to pitch one's tent' - a temporary dwelling awaiting permanent resurrection body. This hope sustained David through trials and sustains believers awaiting glorification. The body's rest in the grave is not defeat but confident expectation of morning's resurrection.