And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

ACTS 3:16KJV
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Acts 3:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:16 mean?

Acts 3:16 says that it was faith in the name of Jesus that made a man strong and well, as everyone could see. The verse emphasizes that this healing was not by human power, but by trusting in Jesus, and that this faith itself comes through Jesus.

Peter is speaking to a crowd at the temple after healing a man who had been unable to walk. Peter explains that the man’s complete healing—his “perfect soundness”—was possible only because of faith in Jesus’ name, not because of Peter or John’s own abilities. The verse highlights that both the power to heal and the faith to receive healing are centered on Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 3:16

  • ὄνομα (onoma) — "name": In Greek thought, a name often represented the character, authority, or power of a person. Here, “his name” means not just saying “Jesus,” but relying on who Jesus truly is.
  • πίστις (pistis) — "faith": This word carries the sense of trust or confidence. The verse repeats it to stress that the man’s healing depended on real trust in Jesus, not a magical formula.
  • τελείαν ὑγίειαν (teleian hygieian) — "perfect soundness": The Greek phrase means complete health or wholeness, showing the man wasn’t just partially helped—he was fully restored.
  • δι’ αὐτοῦ (di’ autou) — "by him": This phrase points out that even the faith shown was made possible through Jesus himself, not something people can muster on their own.

Why Acts 3:16 matters

  • Acts 3:16 clarifies that miracles and spiritual strength come from Jesus, not from human leaders or their personal holiness.
  • The verse connects the healing to faith in Jesus’ name, showing that faith is both the means and the result of Jesus’ ongoing work.
  • By explaining the source of the miracle, Peter shifts attention away from himself and John, directing the crowd to recognize Jesus as the true source of power and restoration.

Where else these words appear

“made” Greek G4732 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
  • Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

“presence” Greek G561 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
  • Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

“see” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“this” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
  • Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.