Acts 4:22
For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πλειόνων
above
G4119
πλειόνων
above
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
4 of 15
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐφ'
on
G1909
ἐφ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγεγόνει
was shewed
G1096
ἐγεγόνει
was shewed
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖον
miracle
G4592
σημεῖον
miracle
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
12 of 15
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
Cross References
Acts 9:33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.Acts 3:2And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;Matthew 9:20And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:John 9:1And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.John 5:5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.Luke 13:11And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
Historical Context
Ancient medical knowledge recognized that congenital or long-term lameness was incurable - atrophied muscles and deformed bones couldn't heal naturally. Forty years exceeded most ancient lifespans' half, making this man's condition and cure well-documented. His age and condition made skeptical dismissal impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'impossible' cases magnify God's glory and authenticate gospel truth?
- What does physical healing point to regarding Christ's power over spiritual infirmity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The note that 'the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed' emphasizes the healing's magnitude. Forty years of lameness made the cure medically impossible, requiring supernatural explanation. The Greek 'sēmeion' (miracle, sign) indicates this healing pointed beyond itself to greater reality - Christ's power over all infirmity, physical and spiritual. The passive voice 'was shewed' attributes healing to divine agency, not human ability.