Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Neither
G2532
καὶ
Neither
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
ἐστιν
is there
G2076
ἐστιν
is there
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
3 of 25
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
οὐδενὶ
any
G3762
οὐδενὶ
any
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
6 of 25
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὄνομά
name
G3686
ὄνομά
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
11 of 25
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ἐστιν
is there
G2076
ἐστιν
is there
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
12 of 25
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
14 of 25
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸν
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
16 of 25
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεδομένον
given
G1325
δεδομένον
given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
18 of 25
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
22 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
23 of 25
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
Cross References
John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.1 Corinthians 3:11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Matthew 1:21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Psalms 45:17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Historical Context
Peter's defense before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council that condemned Jesus) after healing the lame man. Asked 'by what name' (v.7) the healing occurred, Peter boldly declares Jesus—whom they crucified—as the only Savior. This explicit claim led to the apostles' first imprisonment and prohibition from preaching.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you articulate Christ's exclusive claims in a pluralistic culture without compromise or offense?
- What does 'must be saved' imply about humanity's spiritual condition apart from Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Neither is there salvation in any other—Peter declares absolute exclusivity: Christ alone saves, eliminating all alternative paths. The Greek 'en allō oudeni' (in no other) allows zero exceptions. For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved—'name' (ὄνομα) represents the person and work of Christ, not a magical formula. The perfect passive participle 'given' (δεδομένον) indicates God's authoritative bestowal, making Jesus' name the Father's appointed means. Whereby we must be saved establishes salvation's necessity (moral/spiritual inability) and singularity (one way). This verse became Christianity's most controversial claim in pluralistic cultures.