And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

ACTS 3:7KJV
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Acts 3:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:7 mean?

Acts 3:7 describes how Peter physically helped a man who could not walk by taking him by the right hand and lifting him up, and immediately the man’s feet and ankles became strong. This verse shows the moment when the man’s healing took place, right as Peter reached out and helped him up.

Peter and John were at the temple when they encountered a man who had been unable to walk since birth. Peter spoke to the man and then took action by grabbing his right hand, helping him to stand. The verse highlights both Peter’s practical help and the sudden, miraculous strengthening of the man’s legs, setting the stage for the man’s first steps.

The Greek behind Acts 3:7

  • The word for “right” is δεξιᾷ (dexia), meaning the right side, which often symbolizes favor or authority in the Bible. The detail that Peter took the man’s right hand may suggest a respectful or significant gesture.
  • The Greek word for “lifted up” is ἤγειρεν (ēgeiren), which can mean to raise up or awaken. Here, it emphasizes Peter’s active role in helping the man stand, not just speaking words but physically assisting him.
  • The term for “immediately” is παραχρῆμα (parachrēma), meaning right away or at once. This stresses that the man’s healing was instant, not gradual.
  • The word for “feet” is βάσεις (baseis), and “ankle bones” is σφυρά (sphyra), both specific terms for parts of the leg. Their use underlines that the healing was physical and complete, affecting the very parts that had kept the man from walking.

Why Acts 3:7 matters

  • Acts 3:7 clarifies that the healing was not just spiritual or symbolic but involved a real, physical change in the man’s body, as shown by the focus on his feet and ankles.
  • The verse emphasizes the partnership between divine power and human action: Peter’s faith led him to reach out and help, but the actual healing was immediate and miraculous.
  • This moment connects to the wider story in Acts 3, where the man’s healing draws public attention and sets up Peter’s explanation of Jesus’ power to the crowd.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Greek G4732 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 3:16 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 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

“took” Greek G4084 · used in 12 verses

  • John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
  • John 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
  • John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

“immediately” Greek G3916 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“right” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,