Acts 12:7
New International Version
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

New Living Translation
Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.

English Standard Version
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.

Berean Standard Bible
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

Berean Literal Bible
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell. And having struck Peter's side, he woke him up, saying, "Rise up in haste." And his chains fell off the hands.

King James Bible
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

New King James Version
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.

New American Standard Bible
And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

NASB 1995
And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

NASB 1977
And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and roused him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

Legacy Standard Bible
And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

Amplified Bible
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands.

Christian Standard Bible
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, “Quick, get up! ” And the chains fell off his wrists.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, “Quick, get up!” Then the chains fell off his wrists.”

American Standard Version
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Contemporary English Version
Suddenly an angel from the Lord appeared, and light flashed around in the cell. The angel poked Peter in the side and woke him up. Then he said, "Quick! Get up!" The chains fell off his hands,

English Revised Version
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Suddenly, an angel from the Lord stood near Peter, and his cell was filled with light. The angel nudged Peter's side, woke him up, and said, "Hurry! Get up!" At that moment the chains fell from Peter's hands.

Good News Translation
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood there, and a light shone in the cell. The angel shook Peter by the shoulder, woke him up, and said, "Hurry! Get up!" At once the chains fell off Peter's hands.

International Standard Version
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on his side, woke him up, and said, "Get up quickly!" His chains fell from his wrists.

Majority Standard Bible
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

NET Bible
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly!" And the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

New Heart English Bible
And look, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly." His chains fell off from his hands.

Webster's Bible Translation
And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Weymouth New Testament
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists.

World English Bible
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and behold, a messenger of the LORD stood by, and a light shone in the buildings, and having struck Peter on the side, he raised him up, saying, “Rise in haste,” and his chains fell from off [his] hands.

Berean Literal Bible
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell. And having struck Peter's side, he woke him up, saying, "Rise up in haste." And his chains fell off the hands.

Young's Literal Translation
and lo, a messenger of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the buildings, and having smitten Peter on the side, he raised him up, saying, 'Rise in haste,' and his chains fell from off his hands.

Smith's Literal Translation
And, behold, the messenger of the Lord stood before, and a light shone in the dwelling: and having struck Peter's side, he raised him up, saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell off from the hands.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him: and a light shined in the room: and he striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell. And tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying, “Rise up, quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands.

New American Bible
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists.

New Revised Standard Version
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The angel of the LORD stood over him, and a light shone in all the prison: and the angel touched him on the side and awoke him, and said to him, Rise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The Angel of THE LORD JEHOVAH stood over him, and the light shone in the entire place and he jabbed him in the side and raised him up and said to him, “Arise quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands.

Godbey New Testament
And, behold, the angel of the Lord stood over him, and a light shone in the house; and having touched the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying; Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Haweis New Testament
And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter’s side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands.

Mace New Testament
the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick, and immediately his chains fell from his hands.

Weymouth New Testament
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists.

Worrell New Testament
And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Rise up quickly!" And his chains fell off from his hands.

Worsley New Testament
And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the room; and smiting Peter on the side, he waked him, and said, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rescue of Peter
6On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8“Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”…

Cross References
Acts 5:19
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

Acts 16:26
Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Genesis 19:15-16
At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” / But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them.

Exodus 3:2
There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed.

1 Kings 19:5-7
Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”

Luke 22:43
Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.

Matthew 28:2-3
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Psalm 91:11-12
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Luke 1:11
Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

Judges 6:12
And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”

Zechariah 3:1-2
Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”


Treasury of Scripture

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came on him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

the angel.

Acts 12:23
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Acts 5:19
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Acts 10:30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

and a.

Acts 9:3
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

2 Samuel 22:29
For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.

Ezekiel 43:2
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Arise.

Genesis 19:15,16
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city…

Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

Ephesians 5:14
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

And his.

Acts 12:6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Acts 12:6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Acts 2:24
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 16:26
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Jump to Previous
Angel Arise Awoke Cell Chains Fell Great Hands Light Messenger Peter Prison Quickly Raised Rise Shined Shining Shone Side Smote Stand Stood Striking Struck Suddenly Touching Woke
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Acts 12
1. King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter;
6. whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.
20. Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God,
23. is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.
24. After his death, the word of God prospers.
25. Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.














Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared
The word "suddenly" indicates the unexpected and divine intervention that characterizes many of God's miraculous acts. The "angel of the Lord" is a messenger from God, often seen in Scripture as a divine being sent to deliver, guide, or protect God's people. In the Greek, "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) means "messenger," emphasizing the role of angels as God's emissaries. This appearance signifies God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people, underscoring His sovereignty and the reality of spiritual warfare.

and a light shone in the cell
The "light" symbolizes God's presence and truth, often associated with divine revelation and guidance. In biblical terms, light dispels darkness, representing the triumph of God's power over evil. The Greek word for "light" (φῶς, phōs) is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the illuminating presence of God. This light in the cell signifies the breaking of spiritual and physical bondage, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

He struck Peter on the side and woke him up
The act of striking Peter "on the side" is both literal and symbolic. It indicates the urgency and necessity of Peter's awakening to God's deliverance. The Greek verb for "struck" (πατάσσω, patassō) can imply a gentle touch or a more forceful action, suggesting the angel's determination to rouse Peter from his slumber. This awakening is reminiscent of spiritual awakening, where God calls His people to rise from spiritual lethargy and embrace His purposes.

'Quick, get up!' he said
The command "Quick, get up!" reflects the immediacy and urgency of God's deliverance. The Greek word for "quick" (τάχος, tachos) conveys a sense of haste, emphasizing the need for prompt obedience to divine instruction. This call to action is a reminder of the importance of responding swiftly to God's guidance, trusting in His timing and provision.

and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists
The "chains" symbolize the physical and spiritual bondage that Peter was under. The miraculous falling off of the chains signifies God's power to liberate His people from any form of captivity. In the Greek, the word for "chains" (ἅλυσις, halysis) is often used to describe imprisonment, highlighting the miraculous nature of Peter's release. This act of liberation is a powerful testament to God's ability to break the chains of sin and oppression, offering freedom to those who trust in Him.

(7) The angel of the Lord came upon him.--The phrase is identical with that of Luke 2:9. The absence of the article in the Greek leaves it open to render it either as "the angel" or "an angel." The "light" in this instance corresponds to the "glory of the Lord" in that.

In the prison.--Literally, in the dwelling, or chamber. The term appears to be used as an euphemism for "prison."

Verse 7. - An angel for the angel, A.V. (see note on Acts 5:19); stood by him for came upon him, A.V. (comp. Luke 2:9); cell for prison, A.V.; awoke him for raised him up, A.V. (ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν); rise for arise, A.V. Cell. The word οἴκημα, a dwelling, was used by the Athenians as an euphemism for a prison. It only occurs here in the New Testament, though it is a common Greek word. His chains fell off from his hands, showing that each hand bad been chained to a soldier. The loosening of the chains would enable him to rise without necessarily awakening the soldiers to whom he was fastened, and who would feel no difference in the chain which was attached to them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

an angel
ἄγγελος (angelos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

of [the] Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

appeared
ἐπέστη (epestē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2186: To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.

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

a light
φῶς (phōs)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

shone
ἔλαμψεν (elampsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2989: To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cell.
οἰκήματι (oikēmati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3612: A prison cell. From oikeo; a tenement, i.e., a jail.

He tapped
πατάξας (pataxas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3960: To smite, strike (as with a sword), smite to death, afflict. Probably prolongation from paio; to knock.

Peter
Πέτρου (Petrou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

on the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative 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.

side
πλευρὰν (pleuran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4125: The side of the body. Of uncertain affinity; a rib, i.e. side.

[and] woke him up,
ἤγειρεν (ēgeiren)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1453: (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.

saying,
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Get up
Ἀνάστα (Anasta)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 450: To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.

quickly.”
τάχει (tachei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5034: Quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. From the same as tachus; a brief space, i.e. in haste.

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

the
αἱ (hai)
Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chains
ἁλύσεις (halyseis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 254: A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.

fell
ἐξέπεσαν (exepesan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1601: From ek and pipto; to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient.

off
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

[his]
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wrists.
χειρῶν (cheirōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495: A hand.


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NT Apostles: Acts 12:7 And behold an angel of the Lord (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 12:6
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