Acts 5:33 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:33 mean?

Acts 5:33 describes how the religious leaders, upon hearing the apostles’ words, were deeply angered and began plotting to kill them. The verse shows the intensity of the leaders’ reaction to the apostles’ bold message about Jesus.

The setting is a meeting of the Jewish council (Sanhedrin) in Jerusalem, where Peter and the other apostles have been brought in for preaching about Jesus despite strict orders not to. The council’s response is not just annoyance but a violent resolve, showing how threatening they found the apostles’ teaching.

The Greek behind Acts 5:33

• The word “cut” is from διαπρίω (diapriō), which means to be deeply agitated or infuriated—literally “sawn through.” This suggests the leaders were not just upset but felt a sharp, painful reaction to what they heard.
• The word “counsel” comes from βουλεύω (bouleuō), meaning to deliberate or plot together. This highlights that the leaders’ decision to kill the apostles was not a rash outburst but a considered plan.
• The word “slay” is from ἀναιρέω (anaireō), which means to do away with or kill. This makes clear that the council’s intent was deadly serious.

Why Acts 5:33 matters

• Acts 5:33 shows just how dangerous the apostles’ message was considered by the authorities, helping readers understand the real risk the early Christians faced.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the intervention of Gamaliel, who will urge caution in the verses that follow.
• The strong language used here clarifies that the opposition to the apostles was not just about disagreement but about a willingness to use violence to stop them.