Acts 5:11
And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
came
G1096
ἐγένετο
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
μέγας
great
G3173
μέγας
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
4 of 14
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὅλην
all
G3650
ὅλην
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
6 of 14
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
8 of 14
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 14
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 5:5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.Hebrews 4:1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Acts 19:17And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Psalms 89:7God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.Hebrews 12:28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:Jeremiah 32:40And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Historical Context
This judgment occurred at the church's foundation, similar to Nadab and Abihu's death at tabernacle's dedication (Leviticus 10). Early severe judgment established standards and reverence. The widespread report (implied by 'as many as heard') spread throughout diaspora, shaping early Christian community ethics.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'great fear' foster healthy church life rather than paralyzing anxiety?
- What does this being the first use of 'church' (ekklesia) in Acts teach about community purity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The summary statement - 'great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things' - describes the intended effect: holy reverence. The Greek 'phobos megas' (great fear) indicates more than anxiety - profound awe at God's holiness and justice. This marks the first use of 'ekklesia' (church) in Acts, defining the community as those who fear God's presence. The phrase 'as many as heard' extended impact beyond Jerusalem church to all who heard the report, serving as perpetual warning against hypocrisy.