And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

ACTS 10:31KJV
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Acts 10:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:31 mean?

Acts 10:31 records an angel telling Cornelius that God has heard his prayers and remembered his acts of charity. This verse shows that Cornelius’s sincere seeking and generosity have come to God’s attention.

The angel is speaking directly to Cornelius, a Roman centurion who was not Jewish but was known for his devotion and kindness to the poor. This moment is part of a larger story where God is preparing Cornelius to receive a message from Peter, showing that God notices and values the prayers and good deeds of people from every background.

The Greek behind Acts 10:31

  • "προσευχή" (proseuchē, G4335) means "prayer." The Greek word here often carries the sense of earnest or devoted prayer, highlighting Cornelius’s sincerity.
  • "ἐλεημοσύνη" (eleēmosynē, G1654) means "alms" or acts of charity. This word points to practical help for those in need, not just religious duty.
  • "μνημόσυνον" (mnēmosynon, G3415) means "remembrance." The Greek here suggests more than just recalling something; it carries the idea of being brought to mind before God, as if Cornelius’s actions are now before God’s attention.

Why Acts 10:31 matters

  • Acts 10:31 clears up the idea that God only hears certain people; it shows God notices sincere prayer and kindness, even from someone outside the Jewish community.
  • This verse emphasizes that both prayer and practical care for others matter to God, not just religious rituals.
  • Acts 10:31 connects to the wider story of how the early Christian message began to reach non-Jewish people, highlighting God’s openness to all who seek Him.

Where else these words appear

“heard” Greek G1522 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

“Cornelius” Greek G2883 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
  • Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
  • Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

“alms” Greek G1654 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

“remembrance” Greek G3415 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.