And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

ACTS 5:35KJV
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Acts 5:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:35 mean?

Acts 5:35 records a warning from a respected Jewish leader, telling the council of Israel to be careful about how they deal with the apostles. He urges them to think seriously before taking any action against these men.

In this scene, Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law, is addressing the Sanhedrin—the Jewish ruling council—who are deciding what to do with the apostles for preaching about Jesus. Gamaliel’s words call for caution and self-reflection, suggesting that the council should not rush into a decision that could have serious consequences.

The Greek behind Acts 5:35

  • The word προσέχετε (prosechete, "heed") is a strong term for paying close attention or being on guard. Gamaliel is not just suggesting casual thought but urging the council to be vigilant and thoughtful.
  • The phrase ἐαυτοῖς (heautois, "yourselves") puts the focus on personal responsibility. Gamaliel is telling each member to consider their own actions carefully, not just go along with the group.
  • The verb μέλλετε (mellete, "intend") carries the sense of something about to happen or being planned. Gamaliel is highlighting that their intentions matter, not just their actions.

Why Acts 5:35 matters

  • This verse shows that even in heated situations, wise voices can call for restraint and careful judgment, reminding people not to act rashly.
  • Gamaliel’s advice sets up the following verses, where he argues that if the apostles’ movement is from God, it cannot be stopped, but if it is not, it will fail on its own.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the council’s decision and the potential consequences of acting without due consideration.

Where else these words appear

“Israel” Greek G2475 · used in 9 verses

  • John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

“these” Greek G5125 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
  • Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

“heed” Greek G4337 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
  • 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

“do” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.