Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

ACTS 13:41KJV
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Acts 13:41 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:41 mean?

Acts 13:41 is a warning that some people will see something amazing that God is doing, but they will not believe it, even when it is clearly explained to them. The verse highlights the seriousness of rejecting what God is doing, saying that those who scoff or dismiss it will be left in shock and ultimately perish.

In this scene, Paul is speaking in a synagogue, quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures (specifically Habakkuk) to warn his Jewish listeners. Paul is urging them not to ignore or reject the message about Jesus, because God is doing something new and unexpected in their time. The verse underlines how easy it is to miss or dismiss God's work, even when it is right in front of us.

The Greek behind Acts 13:41

  • "despisers" (καταφρονηταί, kataphronētai): This word means those who look down on or treat something with contempt. Paul is directly addressing people who might scoff at his message, not just those who are neutral or indifferent.
  • "wonder" (θαυμάσατε, thaumásate): This word carries the sense of being astonished or amazed, but not necessarily in a positive way—it can imply being dumbfounded or shocked by what is happening.
  • "perish" (ἀφανίσθητε, aphanisthēte): This word means to disappear or be destroyed, emphasizing the serious consequences of rejecting what God is doing.
  • "work" (ἔργον, ergon): The repetition of this word stresses that what is happening is truly God's action, not just human effort or imagination.

Why Acts 13:41 matters

  • Acts 13:41 shows that disbelief is not just a lack of understanding, but can be an active rejection or contempt for what God is doing.
  • The verse connects Paul's message about Jesus to the prophetic tradition of Israel, showing continuity between the old and new.
  • This warning helps the reader see that God's work can be surprising and even unsettling, and that openness is needed to recognize it.

Where else these words appear

“it” Greek G1555 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

“perish” Greek G853 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

“work” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“wonder” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,