Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Original Language Analysis
κατενύγησαν
this they were pricked
G2660
κατενύγησαν
this they were pricked
Strong's:
G2660
Word #:
3 of 18
to pierce thoroughly, i.e., (figuratively) to agitate violently ("sting to the quick")
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
in their heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
in their heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 18
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
10 of 18
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλους
of the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλους
of the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
14 of 18
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
Τί
what
G5101
Τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
15 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Luke 3:10And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?Acts 22:10And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.John 8:9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.Zechariah 12:10And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.Luke 3:12Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?Luke 3:14And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.Ezekiel 7:16But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.
Historical Context
This heart-piercing occurred among Jesus' crucifiers - the very crowd that cried 'Crucify Him!' weeks earlier. Their transformation from mockers to mourners illustrates grace's power. The question 'What shall we do?' echoes John the Baptist's hearers (Luke 3:10), showing prophetic ministry's continuity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish Spirit-wrought conviction from mere emotional manipulation in evangelism?
- What does the crowd's movement from mockery (v. 13) to conviction (v. 37) teach about persevering in witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The crowd's response - 'pricked in their heart' (Greek 'katenugēsan,' pierced through) - demonstrates the Spirit's convicting work through preached word. Their question 'What shall we do?' reveals genuine repentance, not mere remorse. The address 'Men and brethren' shows respectful desperation, acknowledging apostolic authority. Conviction that produces inquiry marks saving faith; those merely offended reject the message (Acts 7:54).