The Meaning of Acts 12:19 Explained

Acts 12:19

KJV: And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

YLT: and Herod having sought for him, and not having found, having examined the guards, did command them to be led away to punishment, and having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he was abiding there.

Darby: And Herod having sought him and not found him, having examined the guards, commanded them to be executed. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea and stayed there.

ASV: And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and tarried there.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  when  Herod  had sought for  him,  and  found him  not,  he examined  the keepers,  and commanded  that [they] should be put to death.  And  he went down  from  Judaea  to  Caesarea,  and [there] abode. 

What does Acts 12:19 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 12:13-25 - Beyond Their Faith
Mark's mother was evidently a woman of property, as her house was large enough to receive the many who felt that prayer was the key to open Peter's prison. Rhoda is Rose. Her portrait has charmed every generation. It is so lifelike and natural. How good for every servant-maid to love the devotional meeting, and to be welcomed to it! Christianity had introduced a new spirit into the world. How often our deliverances seem too good to be true! These praying friends of Peter would not believe the maid, though she told them that their prayers were answered. This proves that while their faith was very imperfect, their request was granted. When we believe not, God remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself, 2 Timothy 2:13. The James mentioned in Acts 12:17 was the brother of our Lord, and afterward head of the church in Jerusalem, Acts 15:13. See James 1:1.
What a contrast between Peter's deliverance and Herod's death! Be not afraid of the reproach of men, for "the moth shall eat them up like a garment," Isaiah 51:8. During these happenings Paul and Barnabas were in Jerusalem, and in after years their minds must often have reverted to them. Probably Paul's remembrance of this incident inspired his constant request for prayer in his own behalf, Ephesians 6:18-20.
For Review Questions, see the e-Sword Book Comments. [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for Acts 12:19

He examined [ανακρινας]
First aorist active participle of ανακρινω — anakrinō old verb to sift up and down, to question thoroughly, in a forensic sense (Luke 23:14; Acts 4:9; Acts 12:19; Acts 28:18). [source]
That they should be put to death [απαχτηναι]
First aorist passive infinitive (indirect command) of απαγω — apag old verb to lead away, especially to execution as in Matthew 27:31. Here it is used absolutely. This was the ordinary Roman routine and not a proof of special cruelty on the part of Herod Agrippa. Tarried (διετριβεν — dietriben). Imperfect active. Herod Agrippa made his home in Jerusalem, but he went to Caesarea to the public games in honour of Emperor Claudius. [source]
Tarried [διετριβεν]
Imperfect active. Herod Agrippa made his home in Jerusalem, but he went to Caesarea to the public games in honour of Emperor Claudius. [source]
Examined [ἀνακρίνας]
See on Luke 23:14; and compare Acts 4:9. [source]
Put to death [ἀπαχθῆναι]
Lit., led away; i.e., to execution. A technical phrase like the Latin ducere. Compare Matthew 27:31. [source]
Abode [διέτριβεν]
Originally, to rub away, or consume; hence, of time, to spend. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 12:19

Acts 14:3 Abode []
See on Acts 12:19. [source]
Acts 12:19 He examined [ανακρινας]
First aorist active participle of ανακρινω — anakrinō old verb to sift up and down, to question thoroughly, in a forensic sense (Luke 23:14; Acts 4:9; Acts 12:19; Acts 28:18). [source]
Acts 15:35 Tarried [διετριβον]
Imperfect active of διατριβω — diatribō old verb to pass time, seen already in Acts 12:19; Acts 14:3, Acts 14:28. [source]
Acts 16:27 Open [ανεωιγμενος]
Perfect passive participle with double reduplication in predicate position, standing open. Drew his sword (σπασαμενος την μαχαιραν — spasamenos tēn machairan). First aorist middle participle of σπαω — spaō to draw, as in Mark 14:47, drawing his own sword himself. Our word spasm from this old word. Was about Imperfect active of μελλω — mellō with both syllabic and temporal augment and followed here by present infinitive. He was on the point of committing suicide as Brutus had done near here. Stoicism had made suicide popular as the escape from trouble like the Japanese harikari. Had escaped (εκπεπευγεναι — ekpepheugenai). Second perfect active infinitive of εκπευγω — ekpheugō old verb with perfective force of εκ — ek to flee out, to get clean away. This infinitive and accusative of general reference is due to indirect discourse after νομιζων — nomizōn Probably the prisoners were so panic stricken by the earthquake that they did not rally to the possibility of escape before the jailor awoke. He was responsible for the prisoners with his life (Acts 12:19; Acts 27:42). [source]
Acts 16:27 Was about [ημελλεν]
Imperfect active of μελλω — mellō with both syllabic and temporal augment and followed here by present infinitive. He was on the point of committing suicide as Brutus had done near here. Stoicism had made suicide popular as the escape from trouble like the Japanese harikari. Had escaped (εκπεπευγεναι — ekpepheugenai). Second perfect active infinitive of εκπευγω — ekpheugō old verb with perfective force of εκ — ek to flee out, to get clean away. This infinitive and accusative of general reference is due to indirect discourse after νομιζων — nomizōn Probably the prisoners were so panic stricken by the earthquake that they did not rally to the possibility of escape before the jailor awoke. He was responsible for the prisoners with his life (Acts 12:19; Acts 27:42). [source]
Acts 16:27 Had escaped [εκπεπευγεναι]
Second perfect active infinitive of εκπευγω — ekpheugō old verb with perfective force of εκ — ek to flee out, to get clean away. This infinitive and accusative of general reference is due to indirect discourse after νομιζων — nomizōn Probably the prisoners were so panic stricken by the earthquake that they did not rally to the possibility of escape before the jailor awoke. He was responsible for the prisoners with his life (Acts 12:19; Acts 27:42). [source]
Acts 17:11 Examining the Scriptures daily [ανακρινω]
Paul expounded the Scriptures daily as in Thessalonica, but the Beroeans, instead of resenting his new interpretation, examined (ει εχοι ταυτα ουτως — anakrinō means to sift up and down, make careful and exact research as in legal processes as in Acts 4:9; Acts 12:19, etc.) the Scriptures for themselves. In Scotland people have the Bible open on the preacher as he expounds the passage, a fine habit worth imitating. [source]
Acts 25:14 Tarried [διετριβον]
Imperfect active of διατριβω — diatribō common verb for spending time (Acts 12:19, etc.). [source]
Acts 25:26 After examination had [της ανακρισεως γενομενης]
Genitive absolute, “the examination having taken place.” Ανακρισις — Anakrisis from ανακρινω — anakrinō (cf. Acts 12:19; Acts 24:8; Acts 28:18) is a legal term for preliminary examination. Only here in the N.T. Inscriptions and papyri give it as examination of slaves or other property. [source]
Acts 27:42 Counsel was to kill [βουλη εγενετο ινααποκτεινωσιν]
The soldiers did not relish the idea of the escape of the prisoners. Hence there came this “counsel” Regular Greek idiom for purpose Soldiers were responsible for the lives of prisoners (Acts 12:19). [source]
Acts 17:11 With all readiness of mind [μετα πασης προτυμιας]
Old word from προτυμος — prothumos Paul expounded the Scriptures daily as in Thessalonica, but the Beroeans, instead of resenting his new interpretation, examined (ει εχοι ταυτα ουτως — anakrinō means to sift up and down, make careful and exact research as in legal processes as in Acts 4:9; Acts 12:19, etc.) the Scriptures for themselves. In Scotland people have the Bible open on the preacher as he expounds the passage, a fine habit worth imitating. Whether these things were so Literally, “if these things had it thus.” The present optative in the indirect question represents an original present indicative as in Luke 1:29 (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1043f.). This use of ei with the optative may be looked at as the condition of the fourth class (undetermined with less likelihood of determination) as in Acts 17:27; Acts 20:16; Acts 24:19; Acts 27:12 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021). The Beroeans were eagerly interested in the new message of Paul and Silas but they wanted to see it for themselves. What a noble attitude. Paul‘s preaching made Bible students of them. The duty of private interpretation is thus made plain (Hovey). [source]
Acts 25:26 Unto my lord [τωι κυριωι]
Augustus (Octavius) and Tiberius refused the title of κυριος — kurios (lord) as too much like rex (king) and like master and slave, but the servility of the subjects gave it to the other emperors who accepted it (Nero among them). Antoninus Pius put it on his coins. Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 105) gives an ostracon dated Aug. 4, a.d. 63 with the words “in the year nine of Nero the lord” Deissmann (op. cit., pp. 349ff.) runs a most interesting parallel “between the cult of Christ and the cult of Caesar in the application of the term κυριος — kurios lord” in ostraca, papyri, inscriptions. Beyond a doubt Paul has all this fully in mind when he says in 1 Corinthians 12:3 that “no one is able to say Κυριος Ιησους — Kurios Iēsous except in the Holy Spirit” (cf. also Philemon 2:11). The Christians claimed this word for Christ and it became the test in the Roman persecutions as when Polycarp steadily refused to say “ Lord Caesar” and insisted on saying “Lord Jesus” when it meant his certain death. Before you (επ υμων — eph' humōn). The whole company. In no sense a new trial, but an examination in the presence of these prominent men to secure data and to furnish entertainment and pleasure to Agrippa (Acts 25:22). Especially before thee Out of courtesy. It was the main reason as Acts 25:22 shows. Agrippa was a Jew and Festus was glad of the chance to see what he thought of Paul‘s case. After examination had (της ανακρισεως γενομενης — tēs anakriseōs genomenēs). Genitive absolute, “the examination having taken place.” Ανακρισις — Anakrisis from ανακρινω — anakrinō (cf. Acts 12:19; Acts 24:8; Acts 28:18) is a legal term for preliminary examination. Only here in the N.T. Inscriptions and papyri give it as examination of slaves or other property. That I may have somewhat to write Ingressive aorist subjunctive σχω — schō (may get) with οπως — hopōs (final particle like ινα — hina). Τι γραπσω — Ti grapsō in indirect question after σχω — schō is either future indicative or aorist subjunctive (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1045). Festus makes it plain that this is not a “trial,” but an examination for his convenience to help him out of a predicament. [source]
Acts 25:26 Especially before thee [μαλιστα επι σου]
Out of courtesy. It was the main reason as Acts 25:22 shows. Agrippa was a Jew and Festus was glad of the chance to see what he thought of Paul‘s case. After examination had (της ανακρισεως γενομενης — tēs anakriseōs genomenēs). Genitive absolute, “the examination having taken place.” Ανακρισις — Anakrisis from ανακρινω — anakrinō (cf. Acts 12:19; Acts 24:8; Acts 28:18) is a legal term for preliminary examination. Only here in the N.T. Inscriptions and papyri give it as examination of slaves or other property. That I may have somewhat to write Ingressive aorist subjunctive σχω — schō (may get) with οπως — hopōs (final particle like ινα — hina). Τι γραπσω — Ti grapsō in indirect question after σχω — schō is either future indicative or aorist subjunctive (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1045). Festus makes it plain that this is not a “trial,” but an examination for his convenience to help him out of a predicament. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:14 Discerned [ἀνακρίνεται]
Rev., judged. Used only by Luke and Paul, and by the latter in this epistle only. By Luke, mostly of judicial examination: Luke 23:14; Acts 4:9; Acts 12:19; Acts 24:8; Acts 28:18. Of examining the Scriptures, Acts 17:11, but with the sense of proving or coming to a judgment on. The fundamental idea of the word is examination, scrutiny, following up ( ἀνά ) a series of objects or particulars in order to distinguish ( κρίνω ). This is its almost universal meaning in classical Greek. At Athens it was used technically in two senses: to examine magistrates with a view to proving their qualifications; and to examine persons concerned in a suit, so as to prepare the matter for trial, as a grand jury. The meaning judged is, at best, inferential, and the Rev. inserts examined in the margin. Bishop Lightfoot says: “ Ανακρίνειν is neither to judge nor to discern; but to examine, investigate, inquire into, question, as it is rightly translated, 1 Corinthians 9:3; 1 Corinthians 10:25, 1 Corinthians 10:27. The apostle condemns all these impatient human praejudicia which anticipate the final judgment, reserving his case for the great tribunal, where at length all the evidence will be forthcoming and a satisfactory verdict can be given. Meanwhile the process of gathering evidence has begun; an ἀνάκρισις investigationis indeed being held, not, however, by these self-appointed magistrates, but by one who alone has the authority to institute the inquiry, and the ability to sift the facts” (“On a Fresh Revision of the New Testament”). See, further, on 1 Corinthians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 4:4. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 12:19 mean?

Herod then having sought after him and not having found [him] having examined the guards he commanded [them] to be led away [to death] having gone down from - Judea to Caesarea he stayed [there]
Ἡρῴδης δὲ ἐπιζητήσας αὐτὸν καὶ μὴ εὑρὼν ἀνακρίνας τοὺς φύλακας ἐκέλευσεν ἀπαχθῆναι κατελθὼν ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας εἰς Καισάρειαν διέτριβεν

Ἡρῴδης  Herod 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἡρῴδης  
Sense: the name of a royal family that flourished among the Jews in the times of Christ and the Apostles.
ἐπιζητήσας  having  sought  after 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐπιζητέω  
Sense: to enquire for, seek for, search for, seek diligently.
εὑρὼν  having  found  [him] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: εὑρίσκω  
Sense: to come upon, hit upon, to meet with.
ἀνακρίνας  having  examined 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀνακρίνω  
Sense: examine or judge.
φύλακας  guards 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: φύλαξ  
Sense: a guard, keeper.
ἐκέλευσεν  he  commanded  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κελεύω  
Sense: to command, to order.
ἀπαχθῆναι  to  be  led  away  [to  death] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Passive
Root: ἀπάγω  
Sense: to lead away.
κατελθὼν  having  gone  down 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κατέρχομαι  
Sense: to come down, go down.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰουδαίας  Judea 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Ἰουδαία  
Sense: in a narrower sense, to the southern portion of Palestine lying on this side of the Jordan and the Dead Sea, to distinguish it from Samaria, Galilee, Peraea, and Idumaea.
Καισάρειαν  Caesarea 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: Καισάρεια  
Sense: Caesarea of Philippi was situated at the foot of Lebanon near the sources of the Jordan in Gaulanitis, and formerly called Paneas; but afterward being rebuilt by Philip the tetrarch, it was called by him Caesarea, in honour of Tiberias Caesar; subsequently called Neronias by Agrippa II, in honour of Nero.
διέτριβεν  he  stayed  [there] 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διατρίβω  
Sense: to rub between, rub hard.