And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

ACTS 3:4KJV
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Acts 3:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:4 mean?

Acts 3:4 describes Peter, together with John, fixing his gaze on a man and telling him to look at them. This moment sets up a direct and personal interaction between Peter, John, and the man who was asking for help at the temple gate.

Peter and John are approaching the temple when a man who cannot walk asks them for money. Instead of passing by, Peter intentionally looks at the man and asks for his attention. This signals that something important is about to happen, and it draws the man's focus away from his usual routine of begging.

The Greek behind Acts 3:4

  • "Eyes" (ὀφθαλμούς, ophthalmos): This word refers to the physical eyes, but the phrase "fastening his eyes upon him" suggests a focused, attentive look, not just a casual glance. It highlights Peter’s deliberate attention.
  • "Look" (βλέψον, blepson): This is a command meaning "look" or "see," inviting the man to pay close attention. The Greek here carries the sense of expecting the man to be alert and receptive, not just to glance over.

Why Acts 3:4 matters

  • Acts 3:4 shows that Peter and John treat the man with dignity and personal attention, rather than ignoring him as many might have done.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the miracle that follows, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and expectation.
  • By drawing the man’s attention, Peter signals that what is about to happen is significant and worth noticing, setting the stage for a turning point in the story.

Where else these words appear

“eyes” Greek G816 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 6:15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
  • Acts 13:9 Then Saul,(who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

“Look” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“with” Greek G4862 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Acts 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
  • Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
  • John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.