And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

ACTS 13:39KJV
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Acts 13:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:39 mean?

Acts 13:39 says that everyone who believes in Jesus is declared right with God for all things, in a way that the law of Moses could never accomplish. This verse highlights that faith in Jesus brings a kind of justification—being made right—that the old religious law could not provide.

Paul is speaking in a synagogue to both Jews and others who respect the Jewish faith, explaining how Jesus fulfills what the law could not. Paul stresses that while the law of Moses set out rules and rituals, it could not fully clear people of guilt; but through Jesus, anyone who believes is truly justified. This is a turning point in his message, showing the difference between relying on the law and trusting in Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“justified” Greek G1344 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
  • Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

“Moses” Greek G3475 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

“him” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.