And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
ACTS 3:7KJVWhat 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.