Acts 3:7 kjv
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:7 nkjv
And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:7 niv
Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
Acts 3:7 esv
And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
Acts 3:7 nlt
Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
Acts 3 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 35:6 | Then shall the lame man leap as an hart... | Prophecy of physical restoration in Messiah's kingdom. |
| Mt 11:5 | The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk... | Jesus' works as signs of His Messiahship, similar to what Peter did. |
| Lk 7:22 | ...the lame walk... | John the Baptist's disciples hear of Christ's fulfilling signs. |
| Acts 3:6 | Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ... rise up and walk. | Direct preceding command that led to the healing. |
| Acts 4:10 | Be it known unto you all... that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... doth this man stand here before you whole. | Peter's later declaration attributing the healing to Jesus. |
| Acts 4:12 | Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name... whereby we must be saved. | Emphasizes the exclusive power and authority in Jesus' name. |
| Phil 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. | Christ as the source of strength for believers. |
| 2 Cor 12:9 | ...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness... | God's strength manifesting in human weakness. |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is quick, and powerful... | God's word (and the name of Christ) is effective and penetrating. |
| Mk 1:31 | And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her... | Jesus' healing with physical touch and immediate result. |
| Mk 5:41 | And he took the damsel by the hand... and straightway the damsel arose... | Jesus' healing of Jairus' daughter involving physical touch. |
| Lk 5:25 | And immediately he rose up before them... | Instantaneous healing of the paralytic demonstrating divine power. |
| Ps 18:35 | ...thy right hand hath holden me up... | God's right hand symbolizing strength, help, and deliverance. |
| Ps 118:15-16 | ...The right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. | Exaltation and power of God's right hand. |
| Ex 15:6 | Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power... | The right hand of God demonstrating overwhelming power. |
| Acts 2:33 | Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted... | Jesus' exaltation to the right hand of God, source of power. |
| Col 3:1 | ...seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. | Christ's position of authority and power. |
| Jn 14:13-14 | And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do... | Jesus' promise for answered prayer and works in His name. |
| Mk 16:17-18 | And these signs shall follow them that believe... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. | Promise of signs and healings accompanying believers. |
| Jas 5:14-15 | Is any sick among you? ... the prayer of faith shall save the sick... | Instruction for prayer and healing through faith. |
| Acts 3:16 | And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong... | Peter attributes the healing to faith in Jesus' name. |
Acts 3 verses
Acts 3 7 Meaning
Peter, acting with faith and authority in the name of Jesus Christ, took the hand of the man lame from birth, and as he lifted him up, a supernatural and instantaneous strengthening occurred. The man's previously crippled feet and ankle bones were immediately and completely restored, empowering him to stand and walk perfectly for the first time in his life. This miracle served as a powerful validation of Christ's power and resurrection.
Acts 3 7 Context
Acts chapter 3 describes a pivotal moment early in the history of the Christian church, shortly after Pentecost. Peter and John are on their way to the Temple for prayer. At the "Beautiful Gate," they encounter a man who had been lame from birth and was routinely placed there to beg for alms. This man, unable to walk for over 40 years, was a well-known figure. Instead of money, Peter declares in Acts 3:6, "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." Verse 7 directly describes Peter's action in faith and the miraculous result. The immediate and complete healing of this long-afflicted man served as a powerful, undeniable sign that authenticated the apostles' message and testified to the resurrected and exalted power of Jesus Christ. This miracle then paved the way for Peter's extensive sermon to the astonished crowds, linking the healing directly to Jesus, whom they had crucified.
Acts 3 7 Word analysis
- "And he took him": Denotes a deliberate, physical engagement by Peter. This gesture of reaching out implies not just assistance but an authoritative act of channeling divine power through human agency. It indicates direct, personal involvement and a bold act of faith.
- "by the right hand": (Greek: dexias cheiros). The "right hand" is universally symbolic of strength, power, authority, blessing, and honor. For Peter, it signifies the powerful, active hand extending divine power. For the lame man, grasping it represents receiving strength and a blessing. In biblical terms, it is often associated with God's own mighty works.
- "and lifted him up": (Greek: ēgeiren). This verb is highly significant, as it is commonly used in the New Testament to describe the act of raising from sleep or from the dead (resurrection). Here, it implies a transformative act of setting upright, bestowing new life and functionality, far beyond merely helping someone to their feet. It speaks to a divine act of recreation.
- "and immediately": (Greek: parachrēma). This adverb, frequently employed by Luke (who wrote Acts) in his descriptions of healings, emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the miracle. There was no gradual improvement or prolonged recovery, thereby eliminating any natural explanation and highlighting the divine origin of the healing.
- "his feet and ankle bones": (Greek: baseis autou kai ta sphyra). This specific anatomical detail, likely characteristic of Luke's background as a physician, underscores the completeness and precision of the healing. It specifies the very foundational structures of the lower limb, indicating a perfect restoration from intrinsic weakness to full stability and function.
- "received strength": (Greek: estereōthēsan). Literally "were made firm" or "were solidified" (passive voice). This emphasizes that the strength was imparted to him from an external, divine source, rather than being naturally developed. It signifies not just a reduction in lameness, but a total, robust, and permanent structural and functional reinforcement. The man's limbs became firm and capable.
- Words-group: "took him by the right hand, and lifted him up": This phrase highlights Peter's confident, authoritative, and faith-filled action. It is not a hesitant reach, but a powerful grasp and upward motion, reflecting the command he had just uttered "rise up and walk." This physical action served as the conduit for the divine power already unleashed by the spoken word.
- Words-group: "immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength": This concise phrase presents the miraculous outcome with clarity and precision. The rapidity ("immediately") rules out any natural process, while the specific anatomical detail ("feet and ankle bones") affirms a comprehensive, perfect healing, transforming chronic weakness into robust stability and functionality.
Acts 3 7 Bonus section
The miracle at the Beautiful Gate serves as a powerful evangelistic sign. The sudden and public restoration of a universally known beggar captivated the crowds, preparing their hearts for the Gospel message Peter preached immediately afterward. It underscores that God often accompanies His word with demonstrations of power to confirm the truth and validity of His message. Furthermore, the man's instant healing mirrors the spiritual transformation that occurs when individuals are brought from a state of spiritual "lameness" – unable to walk in God's ways or fulfill their God-given potential – to full strength, freedom, and ability through faith in Jesus Christ. The healing wasn't just physical, but led to the man "walking, and leaping, and praising God," showcasing a newfound joy and ability to participate fully in life, both physically and spiritually.
Acts 3 7 Commentary
Acts 3:7 is the moment of manifest power where the divine command spoken by Peter through faith in Jesus' name materializes into physical reality. Peter's action of grasping the man's hand and lifting him up was a direct physical response, an act of faith that coincided with the impartation of miraculous strength. The "right hand" symbolizes strength and authority, signaling that the power at work was not human, but from Christ. The crucial term "immediately" leaves no doubt that this was a supernatural, instantaneous healing, a definitive transformation. Luke's medical precision in mentioning "feet and ankle bones" highlights the completeness of the restoration; it was a perfect, full healing of long-standing affliction. This miracle served as irrefutable evidence for the people in Jerusalem that the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ was active through His apostles, making the man's physical restoration a potent sign for spiritual revelation and the foundation for Peter's ensuing sermon.