And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

ACTS 12:9KJV
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Acts 12:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 12:9 mean?

Acts 12:9 describes Peter leaving prison and following the angel, not realizing that what was happening was real—he thought he was seeing a vision instead of an actual event. The verse shows Peter’s confusion and amazement as he is miraculously led out of captivity.

In this scene, Peter has just been freed from his cell by an angel, after being imprisoned by King Herod. The text emphasizes that Peter is so overwhelmed by the experience that he cannot tell if it is truly happening or just a vision. This moment highlights the extraordinary nature of his rescue and Peter’s human reaction to such an unexpected deliverance.

The Greek behind Acts 12:9

  • The word "wist" (οἶδα, oida, G1492) means "to know" or "to understand." Here, it shows Peter’s lack of awareness or certainty about what is happening.
  • "True" (ἀληθής, alēthēs, G227) means "real" or "genuine." The verse stresses that Peter did not realize the events were actually taking place.
  • "Vision" (ὅραμα, horama, G3705) refers to a supernatural sight or dream. Peter suspects he is experiencing another vision, something he has had before in Acts, rather than a physical event.

Why Acts 12:9 matters

  • This verse clears up that Peter was not instantly aware of his deliverance; even a close follower of Jesus could be confused by God’s miraculous actions.
  • Acts 12:9 emphasizes the supernatural character of Peter’s escape, underlining that it was not a normal or expected event.
  • The verse connects to earlier moments in Acts where visions play a key role, showing how God sometimes works in ways that can be hard to grasp, even for those directly involved.

Where else these words appear

“vision” Greek G3705 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
  • Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
  • Acts 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“thought” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.