Acts 2:31
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Original Language Analysis
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
5 of 21
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
κατελείφθη
left
G2641
κατελείφθη
left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
10 of 21
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴ
soul
G5590
ψυχὴ
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
12 of 21
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 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
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 21
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 #:
15 of 21
properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὰρξ
flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
18 of 21
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
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 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
Cross References
Acts 2:27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.Psalms 16:10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.Acts 13:35Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Historical Context
This interpretive method - apostolic disclosure of Old Testament's Christological meaning - scandalized Jewish leaders who read Psalms autobiographically. Peter's claim required Spirit authority, which Pentecost's miracles validated. Early church's scriptural interpretation followed this apostolic pattern.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Old Testament authors' limited understanding of their prophetic words affect your Bible reading?
- What does David's prophetic foresight teach about Scripture's divine authorship transcending human intent?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David, 'seeing this before' through prophetic foresight, 'spake of the resurrection of Christ.' The Greek 'proidön' (foreseeing) indicates supernatural vision beyond natural knowledge - the Spirit enabled David to witness Christ's resurrection prophetically. This establishes Scripture's organic unity: Old Testament authors, though not fully understanding their words, were genuine instruments of divine revelation pointing to Christ.