Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

ACTS 13:23KJV
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Acts 13:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:23 mean?

Acts 13:23 says that God fulfilled His promise to Israel by bringing a Savior, Jesus, from the descendants of a certain man—referring to David. The verse highlights that Jesus is the one sent by God, in line with what God had promised long ago.

Paul is speaking in a synagogue, addressing fellow Israelites and others who worship God. He is explaining the history of Israel and showing how Jesus fits into God’s promises, especially the promise made to David about a future Savior. This verse connects Jesus directly to Israel’s story and God’s faithfulness.

The Greek behind Acts 13:23

  • σπέρματος (spermatos, “seed”): This word means “offspring” or “descendant.” It emphasizes that Jesus comes from the family line of David, not just in a spiritual sense but as a real descendant.
  • ἐπαγγελίαν (epangelian, “promise”): This word means a specific promise or pledge. Here, it points to God’s earlier commitment to send a Savior from David’s line, showing that Jesus’ arrival is the fulfillment of that pledge.
  • σωτῆρα (sōtēra, “Savior”): This word means someone who rescues or delivers. Calling Jesus the “Savior” highlights His role as the one who brings deliverance to Israel, just as God had promised.

Why Acts 13:23 matters

  • Acts 13:23 clarifies that Jesus’ coming was not random but was the fulfillment of a long-standing promise to Israel, specifically tied to David’s lineage.
  • The verse helps readers see that the early Christian message was deeply rooted in Jewish expectations and Scripture, not a new or separate religion.
  • By connecting Jesus to God’s promise, Acts 13:23 sets up the rest of Paul’s message, which explains why Jesus is central to God’s plan for salvation.

Where else these words appear

“Saviour” Greek G4990 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
  • Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

“seed” Greek G4690 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 20:28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.