Acts Chapter 5 · Verse 33
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διεπρίοντο
that they were cut
G1282
διεπρίοντο
that they were cut
Strong's:
G1282
Word #:
4 of 8
to saw asunder, i.e., (figuratively) to exasperate
καὶ
to the heart and
G2532
καὶ
to the heart and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐβουλεύοντο
took counsel
G1011
ἐβουλεύοντο
took counsel
Strong's:
G1011
Word #:
6 of 8
to advise, i.e., (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve
Cross References
Acts 7:54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.Acts 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Matthew 10:21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
Historical Context
The council's murderous intent fulfilled Jesus' persecution predictions (John 15:20). Roman occupation prevented immediate execution without trial and approval. This restraint allowed Gamaliel's intervention (v. 34-39), providentially preserving apostles. Their rage echoed Stephen's later stoning (Acts 7:54-60).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the same gospel message produce opposite reactions - salvation or hardening?
- What does the council's murderous rage teach about human nature's hostility to God?
Analysis & Commentary
The hostile reaction - 'When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them' - shows truth's polarizing effect. The Greek 'dieprionto' (cut to the heart) describes sawing-through, violent internal reaction. Unlike Pentecost's crowd whose heart-piercing led to conversion (Acts 2:37, same Greek root), this produces murderous rage. The phrase 'took counsel' (Greek 'ebouleuonto') indicates deliberate planning, not impulsive reaction. The same truth produces repentance in elect, hardening in reprobate - demonstrating double predestination.