Acts 4:21
So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσαπειλησάμενοι
when they had further threatened
G4324
προσαπειλησάμενοι
when they had further threatened
Strong's:
G4324
Word #:
3 of 22
to menace additionally
ἀπέλυσαν
go
G630
ἀπέλυσαν
go
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
4 of 22
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 22
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
9 of 22
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
κολάσωνται
they might punish
G2849
κολάσωνται
they might punish
Strong's:
G2849
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, to curtail, i.e., (figuratively) to chastise (or reserve for infliction)
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 22
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
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
of the people
G2992
λαόν
of the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
14 of 22
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐδόξαζον
men glorified
G1392
ἐδόξαζον
men glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
17 of 22
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
19 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Acts 5:26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.Matthew 21:46But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.Luke 20:6But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.Luke 20:19And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.Luke 22:2And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin's authority depended on popular support. Punishing miracle-workers who healed a 40-year cripple would spark revolt, potentially bringing Roman intervention. This political calculation mirrors Pilate's decision regarding Jesus (John 19:12) - expediency trumping justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use political calculation and fear to protect His messengers and advance His gospel?
- What does 'all men glorified God' teach about miracles' appropriate role in validating gospel truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The council's impotence - 'when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people' - reveals political rather than legal motivation. Repeated threats without action demonstrate weakness. The phrase 'because of the people' shows fear of popular revolt. 'All men glorified God for that which was done' indicates the miracle's apologetic power - undeniable evidence produced worship even from opposition.