Acts 4:17
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπὶ
further
G1909
ἐπὶ
further
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
πλεῖον
G4119
πλεῖον
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
5 of 20
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
διανεμηθῇ
it spread
G1268
διανεμηθῇ
it spread
Strong's:
G1268
Word #:
6 of 20
to distribute, i.e., (of information) to disseminate
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
the people
G2992
λαόν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
9 of 20
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 20
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
ἐπὶ
further
G1909
ἐπὶ
further
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
name
G3686
ὀνόματι
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
17 of 20
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Acts 5:28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.Acts 5:24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.1 Thessalonians 1:8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin possessed limited authority under Roman occupation - they could threaten but not execute without Roman approval (John 18:31). Their strategy of intimidation rather than refutation demonstrated weakness. Early church growth despite persecution validated Christ's promise that gates of hell wouldn't prevail (Matthew 16:18).
Questions for Reflection
- How does attempting to silence truth by threat rather than argument expose the threatener's weakness?
- What does avoiding Jesus' name while acknowledging His power reveal about suppressed conviction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The council's strategy - 'that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name' - reveals their true concern: not truth but control. The Greek 'apeilē apeilēsōmetha' (straitly threaten, intensive Hebrew idiom) indicates severe warning. Their phrase 'this name' avoids saying 'Jesus,' showing superstitious fear or contemptuous dismissal. Attempting to suppress truth by threat exposes spiritual bankruptcy.