Acts 4:25
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
3 of 15
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
τοῦ
Who
G3588
τοῦ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδός
servant
G3816
παιδός
servant
Strong's:
G3816
Word #:
6 of 15
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
ἐφρύαξαν
did
G5433
ἐφρύαξαν
did
Strong's:
G5433
Word #:
10 of 15
to snort (as a spirited horse), i.e., (figuratively) to make a tumult
ἔθνη
the heathen
G1484
ἔθνη
the heathen
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
11 of 15
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λαοὶ
the people
G2992
λαοὶ
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
13 of 15
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Historical Context
Psalm 2, a royal coronation psalm celebrating David's enthronement despite opposition, became messianic in interpretation. The early church read Israel's history as prophetic pattern for Christ's rejection and ultimate triumph. Praying Scripture shaped theological understanding of current events.
Questions for Reflection
- How does praying Scripture train us to interpret present circumstances through redemptive history?
- What comfort does the 'vain' (futile) nature of opposition to God's Anointed provide under persecution?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer quotes Psalm 2:1-2 - 'Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together' - applying David's royal psalm to Christ's rejection. The Greek 'phryssō' (rage) suggests snorting horses, emphasizing irrational fury. 'Imagine vain things' (Greek 'meletaō kena') means 'meditate on empty things' - futile schemes against omnipotent God. This prayer interprets persecution through Scripture, seeing God's sovereign purpose.