Acts 2:27
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐγκαταλείψεις
leave
G1459
ἐγκαταλείψεις
leave
Strong's:
G1459
Word #:
3 of 15
to leave behind in some place, i.e., (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχήν
soul
G5590
ψυχήν
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
5 of 15
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ᾅδου,
hell
G86
ᾅδου,
hell
Strong's:
G86
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls
δώσεις
wilt thou suffer
G1325
δώσεις
wilt thou suffer
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 15
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 #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅσιόν
Holy One
G3741
ὅσιόν
Holy One
Strong's:
G3741
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, right (by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from 1342, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from g2413, whic
Cross References
Psalms 16:10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.Acts 2:31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Revelation 20:13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.John 11:39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.Psalms 86:13For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.1 Corinthians 15:52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.1 Corinthians 15:55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?Revelation 3:7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
Historical Context
Jewish understanding of Sheol/Hades as the abode of departed souls (both righteous and wicked awaiting final judgment) underlies this passage. Christ descended to proclaim victory (1 Peter 3:19) but could not be detained. His body, unlike all others, did not experience the corruption beginning hours after death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's bodily resurrection secure your physical glorification, not merely spiritual immortality?
- What does the Holy One's incorruption teach about sin's connection to death and decay?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise 'thou wilt not leave my soul in hell' (Greek 'Hades,' the realm of the dead) guarantees Christ's descent into death and subsequent resurrection. The parallel phrase 'neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption' emphasizes bodily resurrection before decay begins. This refutes Gnostic contempt for physical resurrection while establishing Christ's sinlessness - only the 'Holy One' could avoid corruption's power. Believers' resurrection derives from union with this incorruptible One.