Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

ACTS 17:31KJV
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Acts 17:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 17:31 mean?

Acts 17:31 says that God has set a specific day when He will judge everyone in the world fairly, using a man He has chosen for this task, and He has proven this to everyone by raising that man from the dead. The verse emphasizes that this coming judgment is certain and that God has given clear evidence of it.

Paul is speaking to a group of Greek philosophers and thinkers in Athens, explaining the Christian message in terms they can understand. He is telling them that God’s plan includes a future judgment of all people, and that Jesus—whose resurrection is the proof—will be the judge. This statement is part of Paul’s effort to connect the story of Jesus to the wider world, showing that God’s actions are meant for all humanity, not just one group.

The Greek behind Acts 17:31

  • "Judge" (κρίνω, krinō): This word means to decide, separate, or pronounce judgment. Here, it carries the sense of a final, authoritative decision about the world, not just a casual evaluation.
  • "World" (οἰκουμένη, oikoumenē): This word often refers to the inhabited earth or the whole human world, highlighting that the judgment is universal, not limited to one nation or people.
  • "Righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): This term means justice or what is right according to God’s standards. The judgment will not be arbitrary but will be based on true fairness.
  • "Assurance" (πίστις, pistis): While often translated as "faith," here it means proof or guarantee. The resurrection is presented as solid evidence, not just a matter of belief.

Why Acts 17:31 matters

  • Acts 17:31 clarifies that the Christian message is not just about personal belief but includes a claim about the future of all humanity and God’s justice.
  • The verse shows that Paul’s teaching about Jesus is grounded in a historical event—the resurrection—which is offered as public proof, not just a private experience.
  • By addressing a non-Jewish audience, Paul connects the story of Jesus to the whole world, making clear that God’s purposes are universal and not limited by culture or background.

Where else these words appear

“ordained” Greek G3724 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
  • Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
  • Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

“world” Greek G3625 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
  • Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
  • Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

“given” Greek G3930 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

“Because” Greek G1360 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.