But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

ACTS 3:14KJV
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Acts 3:14 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:14 mean?

Acts 3:14 says that the people rejected Jesus, who is described as the Holy One and the Just, and instead asked for a murderer to be released to them. This verse highlights the choice made by the crowd to deny someone innocent and righteous in favor of someone guilty.

Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, reminding them of what happened during Jesus’ trial before Pilate. Peter calls Jesus the "Holy One and the Just," titles that emphasize Jesus’ innocence and moral purity. The verse points out the seriousness of the crowd’s decision to choose the release of a criminal over the release of Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 3:14

  • ἅγιος (hagios, "Holy One"): This word means set apart or sacred, often used for someone uniquely belonging to God. By using this term, Peter is stressing Jesus’ special relationship with God.
  • δίκαιος (dikaios, "Just"): This word means righteous or morally upright. Peter is underlining that Jesus was not only innocent of crime but also lived in complete righteousness.
  • φονεύς (phoneus, "murderer"): This word refers specifically to someone who has committed murder. The contrast is sharp—Jesus, the innocent, was denied, while a known murderer was chosen.

Why Acts 3:14 matters

  • Acts 3:14 clarifies that the rejection of Jesus was not just a misunderstanding but a conscious choice to deny someone innocent and holy.
  • The verse emphasizes the gravity of the crowd’s decision, making clear the moral contrast between Jesus and the released criminal.
  • This statement by Peter sets up his call for repentance in the verses that follow, showing why the people needed forgiveness.

Where else these words appear

“murderer” Greek G5406 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
  • Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
  • Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

“granted” Greek G5483 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
  • Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

“denied” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
  • Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

“desired” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: