And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

ACTS 4:31KJV
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Acts 4:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:31 mean?

Acts 4:31 describes how, after the believers prayed together, the place where they were meeting physically shook, and everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to speak God’s message with confidence. This verse highlights a moment when prayer led to a visible sign and a renewed boldness in sharing their faith.

The setting is a group of early Christians in Jerusalem, gathered after Peter and John had been threatened by religious leaders for speaking about Jesus. Instead of being discouraged, the group prays for courage, and the shaking of the place shows a dramatic answer to their prayer. The verse emphasizes the unity, courage, and spiritual empowerment of the early church in the face of opposition.

The Greek behind Acts 4:31

  • "ἐσαλεύθη" (esaleuthē, G4531) — "was shaken": This word describes a physical trembling or shaking, suggesting a real, tangible event that marked God’s response to their prayer.
  • "ἐπλήσθησαν" (eplēsthēsan, G4130) — "were filled": This verb often means to be completely filled or influenced, showing that everyone present experienced a fresh, powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
  • "παρρησία" (parrēsia, G3954) — "boldness": This term means open, fearless speech. The verse highlights that the result of being filled with the Holy Spirit was not just inner assurance, but the ability to speak God’s word openly and without fear.

Why Acts 4:31 matters

  • Acts 4:31 clarifies that the filling of the Holy Spirit was not a one-time event, but something believers experienced repeatedly as they faced new challenges.
  • The verse shows that God’s answer to prayer can be both spiritual (boldness) and physical (the shaking), underlining the reality of God’s presence.
  • This moment connects to the larger story in Acts, where the early church grows not by avoiding trouble, but by seeking God’s help to speak and act boldly despite opposition.

Where else these words appear

“shaken” Greek G4531 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Acts 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

“prayed” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 26:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

“were” Greek G4130 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

“boldness” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.