Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
G3568
νῦν
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
3 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 21
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δὸς
grant unto
G1325
δὸς
grant unto
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
11 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλοις
servants
G1401
δούλοις
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
13 of 21
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
μετὰ
that with
G3326
μετὰ
that with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
παῤῥησίας
boldness
G3954
παῤῥησίας
boldness
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
16 of 21
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.Acts 4:31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.Philippians 1:14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.Acts 28:31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.Acts 9:27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.Acts 19:8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.Acts 4:21So 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.
Historical Context
Ancient culture valued honor and shame highly. Public speech risked ridicule and punishment. Requesting boldness acknowledged natural fear while seeking supernatural courage. This prayer pattern - not circumstances change but character transformation - marks Spirit-filled prayer.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your prayers prioritize mission success over personal comfort and safety?
- How does identifying as God's 'servant' (slave) free you from fear of human threat?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The specific request - 'Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word' - doesn't ask for threat removal but courage to continue despite threats. The Greek 'parrhēsia' (boldness) means frank, fearless speech. They pray not for protection but proclamation, showing kingdom priorities: mission over safety. 'Thy servants' acknowledges their role as bondslaves (Greek 'douloi') - total loyalty to Master overrides fear of consequences.