And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

ACTS 3:2KJV
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Acts 3:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:2 mean?

Acts 3:2 describes a man who had been unable to walk since birth, being carried each day to the temple gate called Beautiful so he could ask for charity from people entering the temple. This sets the scene for an encounter between the man and those going into the temple, highlighting his daily dependence on others for both mobility and support.

The verse is part of the story told by Luke in the book of Acts, focusing on events shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. The man is not named, but his condition and routine are described in detail to show both his need and the regularity of his presence at the temple. The “Beautiful” gate was a well-known entrance, making it a strategic place for someone seeking help from worshippers.

The Greek behind Acts 3:2

  • "ὡραία" (hōraia, translated "Beautiful"): This word means "beautiful" or "lovely," and it refers to the specific gate of the temple where the man was placed. The mention of this gate gives a concrete location and may also suggest a contrast between the beauty of the gate and the suffering of the man.
  • "ἐλεημοσύνην" (eleēmosynēn, translated "alms"): This word means acts of charity or gifts to the poor. The man’s request for "alms" shows he depended on the generosity of worshippers, which was a common practice at the time.
  • "ἐφέροντο" (epheronto, translated "was carried"): This verb means to be carried or brought by others, emphasizing the man’s complete reliance on friends or family for his daily routine.

Why Acts 3:2 matters

  • Acts 3:2 gives important background for the miracle that follows, showing the man’s long-term condition and daily struggle, which makes his later healing all the more remarkable.
  • The verse highlights the social and religious setting of the early church, where acts of charity were expected, and the temple was a central gathering place.
  • By describing the man’s helplessness and routine, Acts 3:2 sets up a contrast with the power and compassion shown in the next verses, helping readers appreciate the significance of what is about to happen.

Where else these words appear

“Beautiful” Greek G5611 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
  • Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

“alms” Greek G1654 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

“lame” Greek G5560 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

“entered” Greek G1531 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.