On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

ACTS 10:9KJV
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Acts 10:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:9 mean?

Acts 10:9 describes how, the day after Cornelius sent messengers, Peter went up to the flat roof of the house around noon to pray as they were approaching the city. This sets the scene for a significant moment where Peter will receive a vision from God.

Peter is staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner, and the verse highlights a common practice of using the rooftop for private prayer. The mention of "the sixth hour" means it was about noon, a traditional time for Jewish prayer. This moment is important because it leads directly into Peter’s vision, which will challenge his understanding of clean and unclean and open the way for Gentiles to be included in the early Christian community.

The Greek behind Acts 10:9

  • "housetop" (δῶμα, transliteration: dōma): This word refers to the flat roof typical in ancient Middle Eastern homes, often used for private activities like prayer. The detail shows Peter seeking solitude for prayer, away from the bustle of the household.
  • "sixth" (ἕκτη, transliteration: hektē) and "hour" (ὥρα, transliteration: hōra): Together, these mean "the sixth hour," which is about noon. This was a recognized time for prayer in Jewish tradition, showing Peter’s faithfulness to regular prayer practices.

Why Acts 10:9 matters

  • Acts 10:9 sets up the context for Peter’s vision, which will be a turning point in the book of Acts, showing how God prepares Peter for a major change in understanding who can be part of God’s people.
  • The verse shows Peter’s commitment to prayer and Jewish customs, making the coming vision even more striking because it challenges those very customs.
  • By noting the timing and Peter’s location, the verse connects the actions of Cornelius’s messengers and Peter, showing how God is working on both sides to bring about a meeting that will change the early church.

Where else these words appear

“housetop” Greek G1430 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
  • Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

“sixth” Greek G1623 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“morrow” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“nigh” Greek G1448 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
  • Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.