Acts 5:15
Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Insomuch
G5620
ὥστε
Insomuch
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 22
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
κατὰ
into
G2596
κατὰ
into
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκφέρειν
that they brought forth
G1627
ἐκφέρειν
that they brought forth
Strong's:
G1627
Word #:
5 of 22
to bear out (literally or figuratively)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενεῖς
the sick
G772
ἀσθενεῖς
the sick
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
7 of 22
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιθέναι
laid
G5087
τιθέναι
laid
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
9 of 22
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ἐπὶ
them on
G1909
ἐπὶ
them on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
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
ἐρχομένου
passing by
G2064
ἐρχομένου
passing by
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
15 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Πέτρου
of Peter
G4074
Πέτρου
of Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
16 of 22
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκιὰ
the shadow
G4639
σκιὰ
the shadow
Strong's:
G4639
Word #:
19 of 22
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
Cross References
Matthew 14:36And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.Matthew 9:21For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Historical Context
Ancient understanding attributed power to saints' presence and possessions. While superstitious elements existed, the text neither confirms nor denies shadow-healing's effectiveness - it describes faith's expression. The public street healing demonstrated Christianity's compassionate practical ministry attracting crowds.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish appropriate faith in God's power from superstitious practices?
- What does bringing sick people publicly demonstrate about gospel's holistic concern for human needs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The extraordinary scene - 'they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them' - demonstrates radical faith in God's power through apostolic ministry. The Greek 'kan' (at the least) shows desperate hope even for indirect contact. Whether shadows actually healed is debated, but the passage emphasizes people's faith and God's power. This parallels woman touching Jesus' garment (Mark 5:27-29), showing faith grasps available means.