Acts 7:54
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Original Language Analysis
διεπρίοντο
they were cut
G1282
διεπρίοντο
they were cut
Strong's:
G1282
Word #:
4 of 13
to saw asunder, i.e., (figuratively) to exasperate
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαις
G2588
καρδίαις
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
6 of 13
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 13
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 #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 5:33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.Psalms 35:16With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.Job 16:9He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.Matthew 25:30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Matthew 13:50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.Luke 13:28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Historical Context
Teeth-gnashing expressed murderous rage (Psalm 35:16, 37:12). The council's loss of judicial composure showed Stephen's speech hit its mark - they couldn't refute his argument, only silence him.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did the same phrase 'cut to the heart' produce repentance at Pentecost but rage here?
- What distinguishes conviction that leads to repentance from that which hardens?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Sanhedrin's response - 'cut to the heart' and 'gnashed on him with their teeth' - reveals rage rather than repentance. Being 'cut to the heart' here produced fury, not conviction (contrast Acts 2:37). Their violence confirmed Stephen's indictment of persistent rebellion.