Acts 13:34
New International Version
God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “’I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’

New Living Translation
For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’

English Standard Version
And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

Berean Standard Bible
In fact, God raised Him from the dead, never to see decay. As He has said: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’

Berean Literal Bible
And that He raised Him out from the dead, no more being about to return to decay, He spoke thus: 'I will give to you the holy and sure blessings of David.'

King James Bible
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

New King James Version
And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

New American Standard Bible
As for the fact that He raised Him from the dead, never again to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY AND FAITHFUL MERCIES OF DAVID.’

NASB 1995
“As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY and SURE blessings OF DAVID.’

NASB 1977
And as for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no more to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY and SURE blessings OF DAVID.’

Legacy Standard Bible
But that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to corruption, He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY and FAITHFUL lovingkindnesses OF DAVID.’

Amplified Bible
And [as for the fact] that He raised Him from the dead, never again to return to decay [in the grave], He has spoken in this way: ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY AND SURE blessings OF DAVID [those blessings and mercies that were promised to him].’

Christian Standard Bible
As to his raising him from the dead, never to return to decay, he has spoken in this way, I will give you the holy and sure promises of David.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since He raised Him from the dead, never to return to decay, He has spoken in this way, I will grant you the faithful covenant blessings made to David.

American Standard Version
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.

Contemporary English Version
God raised Jesus from death and will never let his body decay. It is just as God said, "I will make to you the same holy promises that I made to David."

English Revised Version
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"God stated that he brought Jesus back to life and that Jesus' body never decayed. He said, 'I will give you the enduring love promised to David.'

Good News Translation
And this is what God said about raising him from death, never to rot away in the grave: 'I will give you the sacred and sure blessings that I promised to David.'

International Standard Version
God raised him from the dead, never to experience decay, as he said, 'I'll give you the holy promises made to David.'

Majority Standard Bible
In fact, God raised Him from the dead, never to see decay. As He has said: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’

NET Bible
But regarding the fact that he has raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be in a state of decay, God has spoken in this way: 'I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David.'

New Heart English Bible
"Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: 'I will give to you the faithful sacred things of David.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And as concerning that he raised him from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

Weymouth New Testament
And as to His having raised Him from among the dead, never again to be in the position of one soon to return to decay, He speaks thus: 'I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David.'

World English Bible
“Concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And that He raised Him up out of the dead, to no longer return to corruption, He has said this: I will give to You the holy [blessings] of David [that are] faithful;

Berean Literal Bible
And that He raised Him out from the dead, no more being about to return to decay, He spoke thus: 'I will give to you the holy and sure blessings of David.'

Young's Literal Translation
'And that He did raise him up out of the dead, no more to return to corruption, he hath said thus -- I will give to you the faithful kindnesses of David;

Smith's Literal Translation
And that he raised him from the dead, no more about to return to corruption, so he said, That I will give you the holy, faithful things of David.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And to shew that he raised him up from the dead, not to return now any more to corruption, he said thus: I will give you the holy things of David faithful.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now, since he raised him from the dead, so as to no longer return to corruption, he has said this: ‘I will give to you the holy things of David, the faithful one.’

New American Bible
And that he raised him from the dead never to return to corruption he declared in this way, ‘I shall give you the benefits assured to David.’

New Revised Standard Version
As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, ‘I will give you the holy promises made to David.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And God raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, as he said, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And so God raised him from among the dead that he will not return again to see destruction, as it says: 'I shall give you the favor of faithful David.'
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken thus: I will give you the sure mercies of David.

Godbey New Testament
And because he raised him up from the dead, no longer about to return to corruption, He has thus said, I will give unto you the faithful mercies of David.

Haweis New Testament
But that he raised him from the dead, no more in future to return to corruption, he hath thus spoken, “I will give you the holy things of David, which are sure.”

Mace New Testament
and to show that he rais'd him from the dead, never more to return to corruption, he said thus, "I will faithfully perform the promises, which I made to David."

Weymouth New Testament
And as to His having raised Him from among the dead, never again to be in the position of one soon to return to decay, He speaks thus: 'I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David.'

Worrell New Testament
And that He raised Him up from the dead no more to return to corruption, He hath thus spoken, 'I will give to you the holy and faithful promises of David.'

Worsley New Testament
And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to the place of corruption, He hath said thus, "I will give you the sure mercies of David."

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
In Pisidian Antioch
33He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’ 34 In fact, God raised Him from the dead, never to see decay. As He has said: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ 35So also, He says in another Psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’…

Cross References
Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.

Psalm 16:10
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.

Romans 6:9
For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.

Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

Revelation 1:18
the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.

Psalm 89:28-29
I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast. / I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ...

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.

2 Timothy 2:8
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,

1 Corinthians 15:4
that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Romans 1:4
and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hebrews 1:5
For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”?

Psalm 2:7
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.

1 Chronicles 17:11-14
And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

now.

Romans 6:9
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

I will.

Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

the sure.

2 Samuel 7:14-16
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: …

2 Samuel 23:5
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

Psalm 89:2-4,19-37
For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens…

mercies.

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Blessings Corruption David Dead Decay Destruction Fact Holy Longer Mercies Position Promised Promises Raised Soon Speaks Stated Sure Trustworthy Way Wise Words
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Blessings Corruption David Dead Decay Destruction Fact Holy Longer Mercies Position Promised Promises Raised Soon Speaks Stated Sure Trustworthy Way Wise Words
Acts 13
1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.
6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer.
13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ.
42. The Gentiles believe;
44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul,
46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe.
50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium.














In fact
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and reality of the statement that follows. In the Greek, the word used is "ὅτι" (hoti), which often introduces a statement of fact or explanation. It underscores the truth of the resurrection as a foundational event in Christian faith, affirming that what follows is not mere speculation but a divinely orchestrated reality.

God raised Him from the dead
The resurrection is central to Christian doctrine, and this phrase highlights God's active role in raising Jesus. The Greek verb "ἤγειρεν" (ēgeiren) is used here, indicating a powerful action by God. This act is a testament to God's sovereignty over life and death, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. It assures believers of the hope of their own resurrection and eternal life.

never to see decay
This phrase refers to the incorruptibility of Jesus after His resurrection. The Greek word "διαφθοράν" (diaphthoran) means corruption or decay, often associated with the physical decomposition of the body after death. By stating that Jesus would "never see decay," the scripture affirms His victory over death and the grave, distinguishing His resurrection from others who were raised only to die again.

As He has said
This phrase introduces a quotation from the Old Testament, showing the fulfillment of God's promises. It reflects the continuity and reliability of God's word throughout scripture. The use of "καθὼς" (kathōs) in Greek indicates that what follows is a direct fulfillment of divine prophecy, reinforcing the trustworthiness of God's promises.

I will give you the holy and sure blessings
This promise refers to the covenantal blessings assured to David and his descendants. The Greek word "ὅσια" (hosia) means holy or sacred, and "πιστά" (pista) means sure or faithful. Together, they emphasize the sanctity and reliability of God's promises. These blessings are not just temporal but eternal, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate heir of David's throne.

promised to David
This phrase connects the resurrection of Jesus to the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David an everlasting kingdom. The Greek "Δαυίδ" (Dauid) is a direct reference to King David, a central figure in Jewish history. This connection highlights Jesus as the Messiah, the rightful heir to David's throne, and the fulfillment of God's promise of a kingdom that will never end. It reassures believers of the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

(34) Now no more to return to corruption.--We note from the turn of the phrase that St. Paul already has the words of Psalm 16:10 in his mind, though he has not as yet referred to it.

I will give you the sure mercies of David.--The words do not seem in themselves to have the nature of a Messianic prediction. To those, however, whose minds were full to overflowing with the writings of the prophets they would be pregnant with meaning. What were the "sure mercies of David" (Isaiah 55:3) but the "everlasting covenant" of mercy which was to find its fulfilment in One who should be "a leader and commander to the people?" We may well believe that the few words quoted recalled to St. Paul and to his hearers the whole of that wonderful chapter which opens with "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." The Greek word for "mercies" is the same adjective as that translated "holy" in the next verse, "holiness" being identified with "mercy," and so forms a connecting link with the prophecy cited in the next verse.

Verse 34. - Hath spoken for said, A.V.; holy and sure blessings for sure mercies, A.V. No more to return to corruption. This is added to show that Christ's resurrection was a final victory over death; not like that of Lazarus, or the Shunammite's son, or Jairus's daughter, but, as St. Paul himself says (Romans 6:9), "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over him." Here he tells us that this eternal exemption of Christ from death was promised or signified in Isaiah 55:3, which he quotes from the LXX., only abbreviating the διαθήσομαι κ.τ.λ., into δώσω, I will give. What, then, is meant by the ὅσια Δαβὶδ τὰ πιστά? The Hebrew has חֻסְדֵי דָוְד הַנֶּךאמָנִים, which can mean nothing else but "the sure mercies of David," the favor and mercy promised to David in God's everlasting covenant, well ordered in all things and sure. And in like manner, in 2 Chronicles 6:42, ὅσια Δαβὶδ means "the mercies of God to David." And if we turn to the account of this covenanted mercy in 2 Samuel 7, we shall see that it comprises the setting of David's seed upon his throne for ever (see specially vers. 12-16). In ver. 15 it is said, חַסְדִי לאִ יָסוּר מִמֶּגוּ, "My mercy shall not depart from him." And in the next verse his house and his kingdom are described as being נֶאְמַן לְעֹלָם, sure," or "established for ever," which, when applied to the personal Christ, the Son of David, manifestly implies his eternal exemption from death and corruption (see also Psalm 132:4). The sense of the Hebrew, therefore, is clever and certain, and it is equally certain that the LXX. meant to represent this sense in the version here quoted by St. Paul. Ὅσιος, though properly meaning "holy, pious," and thence "mild" and "merciful" (εἰρηνικὸς, Hesych.) as applied to man, came to be applied in the same senses to God (Revelation 15:4; Revelation 16:5; and here and in the LXX.). Beyond doubt, therefore, the passage before us is rightly rendered in the A.V., "the sure mercies of David;" the plural, ὅσια, represents the חֲסָדִים of the Hebrew. Clemens Alex. (quoted by Schleusner) uses it in the same way for "mercies or "benefits:" Πόσα αὐτῷ ὀφείλομεν ὅσια: "For how many mercies are we indebted to Christ!" In a similar way, the Latin pietas is used for God's "justice" or "kindness" ('AEneid,' 2:536; 5:688). "Trini pulses pietatem" (on a sepulchral monument, A.D. 1427): "Beat at the door of God's mercy." Gronovius, in his note on 'AEian. V. H.,' 8:1, where he ascribes to ὅσιος the primitive sense of what is "just" and "due," from man either to God or to his fellowman, adds, "Tribuunt quidem LXX? interpetiam Deo τὸ ὅσιον: sod etiam tum significat quoddam quasi offcium benignitatia in heroines pios, Deo decorum."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In fact,
Ὅτι (Hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[God] raised
ἀνέστησεν (anestēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd 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.

Him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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

[the] dead
νεκρῶν (nekrōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3498: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.

never
μηκέτι (mēketi)
Adverb
Strong's 3371: No longer, no more. From me and eti; no further.

to see
μέλλοντα (mellonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3195: A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.

decay.
διαφθοράν (diaphthoran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1312: Destruction, decay, corruption. From diaphtheiro; decay.

As He has said:
εἴρηκεν (eirēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

‘I will give
Δώσω (Dōsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

holy [and]
ὅσια (hosia)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3741: Holy, pious, godly, beloved of God. Of uncertain affinity; properly, right, i.e. Hallowed.

sure [blessings]
πιστά (pista)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

[I promised to] David.’
Δαυὶδ (Dauid)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1138: David, King of Israel. Of Hebrew origin; Dabid, the Israelite king.


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Acts 13:33
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