Acts 14:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:10 mean?

Acts 14:10 describes how Paul, speaking loudly, commands a man to stand upright on his feet, and the man immediately leaps up and begins to walk. This verse shows a miraculous healing, where someone who could not walk is suddenly able to stand and move.

In this scene, Paul is in Lystra, addressing a man who had never been able to walk. Paul sees that the man has faith to be healed and, with a strong voice, tells him to stand. The man responds instantly, not just standing but leaping and walking, which highlights both the completeness and the suddenness of the healing.

The Greek behind Acts 14:10

• "loud" (μεγάλῃ, megalē): This word means "great" or "loud," emphasizing that Paul spoke in a way that everyone could hear, showing confidence and authority.
• "leaped" (ἥλατο, hēlato): This word carries the sense of jumping or springing up, not just standing, which underlines the dramatic and total nature of the healing.
• "walked" (περιεπάτει, periepatei): This word means "to walk around," suggesting the man did not just take a step but began moving about, demonstrating full restoration.

Why Acts 14:10 matters

• Acts 14:10 clears up any idea that the healing was partial or gradual; the man leaps and walks immediately, showing a complete and public miracle.
• The verse emphasizes Paul's authority and faith, as he speaks with a loud voice and expects an immediate response.
• This event sets the stage for the crowd's reaction in the following verses, where they mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, highlighting the extraordinary impact of the miracle.