Acts 4:30
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρά
hand
G5495
χεῖρά
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 22
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σημεῖα
that signs
G4592
σημεῖα
that signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
11 of 22
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γίνεσθαι
may be done
G1096
γίνεσθαι
may be done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματος
the name
G3686
ὀνόματος
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
17 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίου
holy
G40
ἁγίου
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
19 of 22
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Acts 4:27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,Acts 3:6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.Jeremiah 15:15O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
Historical Context
Signs and wonders marked biblical epochs: Exodus, prophetic ministry, Christ's incarnation, and apostolic age. These weren't normative continuous experiences but redemptive-historically concentrated validations of new revelation. The early church expected miracles to authenticate the new covenant's inauguration.
Questions for Reflection
- What role do 'signs and wonders' play in validating gospel truth versus entertaining crowds?
- How does praying 'by the name of thy holy child Jesus' demonstrate Christ's mediation in prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer continues requesting God 'stretch forth thine hand to heal' and 'that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.' The phrase 'stretch forth thine hand' echoes Exodus imagery of God's mighty acts (Exodus 3:20). They pray for continued miracles not for spectacle but validation - 'signs and wonders' authenticate gospel message. Calling Jesus 'holy child' (Greek 'pais,' servant/son) connects to Isaiah's Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) and Psalm 2's 'Son.'