And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

ACTS 12:14KJV
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Acts 12:14 (KJV)

What does Acts 12:14 mean?

Acts 12:14 describes how a servant girl named Rhoda, upon recognizing Peter’s voice outside the gate, became so overjoyed that she forgot to let him in and instead ran to tell the others he was there. The verse highlights her excitement and surprise at seeing Peter alive and free.

In this scene, Peter has just been miraculously freed from prison and arrives at the house where Christians are gathered, likely praying for him. Rhoda, hearing his voice at the gate, is so overwhelmed with happiness that she leaves Peter standing outside while she rushes to share the news. This detail adds a touch of realism and emotion to the story, showing the genuine shock and joy of the early believers.

The Greek behind Acts 12:14

  • χαρᾶς (chara, "gladness"): This word means deep joy or delight. The verse emphasizes that Rhoda’s reaction was driven by overwhelming happiness, not fear or confusion.
  • φωνῆς (phōnēs, "voice"): The Greek word here refers to the sound or tone of Peter’s voice, showing that Rhoda recognized him not by sight but by hearing.
  • ἔστη (estē, "stood"): This word means to stand or be present. The verse notes that Peter was physically present at the gate, waiting while Rhoda ran inside.

Why Acts 12:14 matters

  • Acts 12:14 clears up any idea that the early Christians expected Peter’s rescue; Rhoda’s shock and joy show that his appearance was completely unexpected.
  • The verse highlights the very human, relatable emotions of the people involved, making the miraculous event feel more immediate and real.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by setting up the disbelief of the others inside, who initially do not believe Rhoda’s report, further emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Peter’s escape.

Where else these words appear

“gate” Greek G4440 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
  • Revelation 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

“knew” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

“how” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: