Acts 2:29 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:29 mean?

Acts 2:29 means that Peter is openly addressing the crowd about King David, pointing out that David died, was buried, and his tomb was still present among them at that time. Peter is making it clear that David was not speaking about himself in the prophecy, since David remained dead.

Peter is speaking to a large group in Jerusalem during Pentecost, explaining the meaning of recent events. He respectfully calls the listeners “men and brethren,” and uses David’s well-known death and burial as evidence in his argument. This sets up Peter’s point that certain Old Testament promises about resurrection could not have been fulfilled by David himself, but instead point to someone else.

The Greek behind Acts 2:29

• ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, G80): Translated as “brethren,” this word means “brothers” or “fellow Jews,” showing Peter’s respectful and inclusive tone toward his audience.
• πατριάρχου (patriarchou, G3966): The word “patriarch” refers to a founding father; calling David this highlights his importance in Jewish history and sets up the weight of Peter’s argument.
• μετὰ παρρησίας (meta parrēsias, G3326, G3954): This phrase means “with boldness” or “freely,” showing that Peter is speaking openly and confidently, not holding back about a sensitive topic.

Why Acts 2:29 matters

• Acts 2:29 clears up any confusion that David’s words about resurrection could refer to himself, since his tomb was still known and undisturbed.
• The verse emphasizes Peter’s respectful approach, addressing his fellow Jews as equals while making a bold claim.
• This statement is a turning point in Peter’s speech, preparing the listeners to consider Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecies that David could not fulfill himself.