For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

ACTS 2:25KJV
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Acts 2:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:25 mean?

Acts 2:25 describes how David spoke about the Lord always being present with him, giving him confidence and stability so that he would not be shaken. The verse is quoted by Peter to show that David foresaw the Lord’s constant support, which kept him secure.

Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost, explaining that what they are witnessing is connected to God’s promises. He quotes David’s words from the Psalms to show that David trusted God’s presence and help. In this context, Peter uses David’s statement to point toward Jesus and God’s faithfulness, highlighting that God stands by those He supports.

The Greek behind Acts 2:25

  • "προωρώμην" (proōrōmēn, "foresaw"): This word means to keep something always in view or before oneself. Here, it emphasizes David’s active awareness of the Lord’s presence, not just a one-time vision.
  • "ἐκ δεξιῶν μου" (ek dexiōn mou, "on my right hand"): In ancient culture, the right hand was a place of honor and strength. Saying the Lord is at his right hand means David sees God as his protector and supporter.
  • "ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ" (hina mē saleuthō, "that I should not be moved"): The Greek idea here is about being shaken or disturbed. It stresses that with the Lord’s support, David feels unshakeable and secure.

Why Acts 2:25 matters

  • Acts 2:25 helps clarify that David’s words were not just about himself but pointed to a deeper trust in God’s presence, which Peter connects to Jesus.
  • The verse shows the importance of God’s nearness in giving people courage and stability, a theme that runs through Peter’s speech.
  • By quoting David, Peter builds a bridge between the Hebrew Scriptures and the events happening in Jerusalem, helping his listeners see continuity in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“foresaw” Greek G4308 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 21:29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

“should” Greek G4531 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Acts 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

“David” Greek G1138 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.