Acts 4:16
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
Original Language Analysis
λέγοντες
Saying
G3004
λέγοντες
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσομεν
shall we do
G4160
ποιήσομεν
shall we do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μὲν
indeed
G3303
μὲν
indeed
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
σημεῖον
miracle
G4592
σημεῖον
miracle
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
11 of 23
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
γέγονεν
hath been done
G1096
γέγονεν
hath been done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 23
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 23
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
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατοικοῦσιν
that dwell
G2730
κατοικοῦσιν
that dwell
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
17 of 23
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
in Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
18 of 23
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
φανερόν
is manifest
G5318
φανερόν
is manifest
Strong's:
G5318
Word #:
19 of 23
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 6:10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.John 12:18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's compact size (about 600 acres within walls) meant news spread rapidly. The healed man had begged at the temple's prominent gate (Acts 3:2) where thousands passed daily. Denying the miracle would destroy the council's credibility, forcing them to acknowledge what condemned their Christ-rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do people acknowledge God's work while refusing to submit to His authority?
- What does 'we cannot deny it' teach about truth's ultimate triumph despite powerful opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The council's admission - 'a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it' - acknowledges undeniable reality while refusing proper response. The Greek 'gnōston sēmeion' (notable miracle) indicates a widely-known, authenticating sign. Their confession 'we cannot deny it' admits truth while planning to suppress it, demonstrating the futility of opposing manifest divine activity.