Acts 11:6
New International Version
I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds.

New Living Translation
When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of tame and wild animals, reptiles, and birds.

English Standard Version
Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air.

Berean Standard Bible
I looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.

Berean Literal Bible
Having looked intently on it, I was observing it, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air.

King James Bible
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

New King James Version
When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.

New American Standard Bible
and I stared at it and was thinking about it, and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild animals, the crawling creatures, and the birds of the sky.

NASB 1995
and when I had fixed my gaze on it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air.

NASB 1977
and when I had fixed my gaze upon it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air.

Legacy Standard Bible
and when looking closely at it, I was observing it and saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the sky.

Amplified Bible
and looking closely at it, I saw all kinds of the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air [both clean and unclean according to the Law],

Christian Standard Bible
When I looked closely and considered it, I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When I looked closely and considered it, I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky.

American Standard Version
upon which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the heaven.

Contemporary English Version
When I looked in it, I saw animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds.

English Revised Version
upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and fowls of the heaven.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I looked into the sheet very closely and saw tame animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds.

Good News Translation
I looked closely inside and saw domesticated and wild animals, reptiles, and wild birds.

International Standard Version
When I examined it closely, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the air.

Majority Standard Bible
I looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.

NET Bible
As I stared I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and wild birds.

New Heart English Bible
When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, crawling creatures, and birds of the sky.

Webster's Bible Translation
Upon which when I had fastened my eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping animals, and fowls of the air.

Weymouth New Testament
Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds.

World English Bible
When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
at which having looked steadfastly, I was considering, and I saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the sky;

Berean Literal Bible
Having looked intently on it, I was observing it, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air.

Young's Literal Translation
at which having looked stedfastly, I was considering, and I saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the fowls of heaven;

Smith's Literal Translation
Upon which having looked intently, I observed, and saw quadrupeds of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and the flying things of heaven.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Into which looking, I considered, and saw fourfooted creatures of the earth, and beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air.

New American Bible
Looking intently into it, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky.

New Revised Standard Version
As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as I looked at it, I saw that there were in it fourfooted beasts, and creeping things of the earth, and fowls of the air.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I stared at it and I saw beasts in it, four footed animals and creeping things of The Earth and birds of the sky.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When I had looked attentively into it, I observed and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the air.

Godbey New Testament
into which looking, I was investigating, and I saw quadrupeds of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and the birds of the heaven.

Haweis New Testament
on which looking attentively, I perceived, and saw the quadrupeds of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the birds of the air.

Mace New Testament
as I was considering it very attentively, I saw several quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds.

Weymouth New Testament
Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds.

Worrell New Testament
into which gazing intently, I was considering, and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and the birds of the heaven.

Worsley New Testament
And looking stedfastly upon it, I observed four-footed creatures and wild beasts, and reptiles, and fowls of the air.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Peter's Report at Jerusalem
5“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision of something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came right down to me. 6I looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’…

Cross References
Acts 10:11-16
He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. / It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. / Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” ...

Genesis 7:8-9
The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground / came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.

Leviticus 11:2-47
“Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: / You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. / But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. ...

Deuteronomy 14:3-20
You must not eat any detestable thing. / These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, / the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. ...

Ezekiel 8:10
So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel.

Isaiah 6:1-4
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Mark 7:14-23
Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: / Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.” / If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. ...

Romans 14:14
I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

1 Timothy 4:4-5
For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Genesis 1:24-25
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, land crawlers, and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. / God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 9:3
Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things.

Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 4:14
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”

Daniel 7:13-14
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.


Treasury of Scripture

On the which when I had fastened my eyes, I considered, and saw four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

fastened.

Acts 3:4
And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

Luke 4:20
And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Jump to Previous
Air Animals Attention Beasts Birds Closely Considered Crawling Creatures Creeping Earth Examined Eyes Fastened Fixed Fixing Fourfooted Four-Footed Fowls Gaze Heaven Intently Kinds Observed Quadrupeds Reptiles Sky Sorts Stedfastly Various Wild
Jump to Next
Air Animals Attention Beasts Birds Closely Considered Crawling Creatures Creeping Earth Examined Eyes Fastened Fixed Fixing Fourfooted Four-Footed Fowls Gaze Heaven Intently Kinds Observed Quadrupeds Reptiles Sky Sorts Stedfastly Various Wild
Acts 11
1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,
5. makes his defense;
18. which is accepted.
19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them.
26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.
27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.














I looked at it closely
This phrase indicates a deliberate and careful examination. The Greek word used here is "atenizō," which means to gaze intently or to fix one's eyes upon something. This suggests that Peter was not merely glancing but was deeply engaged in understanding the vision before him. In a spiritual context, this reflects the importance of discernment and attentiveness to God's revelations. It encourages believers to seek understanding and clarity in their spiritual experiences, emphasizing the need for focus and contemplation in discerning God's will.

and saw
The act of seeing in this context is more than physical sight; it implies spiritual insight and revelation. The Greek word "horaō" is used, which can mean to perceive or to become aware of something. This suggests that Peter's vision was not just a visual experience but a moment of divine revelation. It underscores the idea that God communicates with His people in ways that transcend the ordinary, inviting them to see beyond the surface to the deeper spiritual truths.

four-footed animals of the earth
This phrase refers to creatures that were considered unclean according to Jewish dietary laws, as outlined in Leviticus 11. The mention of "four-footed animals" highlights the comprehensive nature of the vision, encompassing all types of creatures. Historically, this vision challenges the Jewish understanding of purity and the separation between clean and unclean, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. It signifies the inclusivity of the Gospel and God's plan for all nations to be part of His covenant.

wild beasts
The term "wild beasts" further emphasizes the diversity and the untamed nature of the creatures in the vision. In the Greek, "thērion" is used, which often refers to animals that are not domesticated. This can symbolize the untamed and unpredictable aspects of God's creation, which are still under His sovereign control. Spiritually, it represents the idea that God's grace extends to all, even those who seem wild or outside the bounds of traditional religious acceptance.

reptiles
Reptiles, or "herpeton" in Greek, were also considered unclean. Their inclusion in the vision reinforces the message of breaking traditional boundaries. Reptiles often evoke a sense of caution or fear, yet in this vision, they are part of God's creation that is being redefined. This challenges believers to reconsider their preconceived notions of who is worthy of God's love and grace, urging them to embrace a broader understanding of God's redemptive plan.

and birds of the air
The phrase "birds of the air" completes the vision's depiction of the animal kingdom. In the Greek, "peteinon" is used, which refers to flying creatures. Birds often symbolize freedom and the ability to transcend earthly limitations. Their inclusion in the vision suggests the far-reaching and liberating nature of the Gospel. It serves as a reminder that God's message is not confined to any one group or tradition but is meant to soar across all boundaries, offering salvation to all who believe.

(6) Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered.--Here again we trace the same kind of vividness as in the previous verse. The Apostle recalls the intense eager gaze with which he had looked on the strange vision.

Verse 6. - The four-footed for four-footed, A.V.; heaven for air, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I looked
ἀτενίσας (atenisas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 816: To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently.

at
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

it {closely}
ἣν (hēn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[and] saw
κατενόουν (katenooun)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2657: To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully.

four-footed animals
τετράποδα (tetrapoda)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5074: Four-footed. From tessares and pous; a quadruped.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earth,
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

wild beasts,
θηρία (thēria)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2342: Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.

reptiles,
ἑρπετὰ (herpeta)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2062: Neuter of a derivative of herpo; a reptile, i.e. (compare remes) a small animal.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

birds
πετεινὰ (peteina)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4071: A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

air.
οὐρανοῦ (ouranou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.


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NT Apostles: Acts 11:6 When I had looked intently at it (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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