And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

ACTS 9:12KJV
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Acts 9:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:12 mean?

Acts 9:12 describes how Saul (later called Paul) saw a vision of a man named Ananias coming to him and placing his hands on him so that Saul would regain his sight. This vision prepared Saul for Ananias’s arrival and showed that his healing was part of God’s plan.

In the context of Acts 9, the Lord is speaking to Ananias in Damascus, explaining that Saul—who had been blinded on the road to Damascus—has already seen a vision of Ananias coming to help him. This detail reassures Ananias that his visit is expected and divinely arranged, highlighting how God coordinates both sides of this encounter.

The Greek behind Acts 9:12

  • ὅραμα (horama, G3705): This word means "vision" and often refers to a supernatural sight or revelation. Its use here shows that Saul’s experience was not just a dream but a clear, purposeful message from God.
  • ἐπιθεὶς (epitheis, from G2007): This is the word for "putting" or "laying on" (as in "putting his hand on him"). In the New Testament, laying on of hands often symbolizes healing or blessing, so this action signals both physical and spiritual restoration.
  • ἀναβλέψῃ (anablepsē, G308): This word means "to receive sight" or "to look up." It emphasizes that Saul’s blindness was temporary and that his healing would be a sign of God’s intervention.

Why Acts 9:12 matters

  • Acts 9:12 clears up any idea that Saul’s healing was a coincidence; it shows that both Saul and Ananias were guided by God through visions, making the event purposeful and coordinated.
  • The verse highlights the importance of obedience and trust, as Ananias is reassured that his difficult task is already known and prepared by God.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Saul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle, showing that his calling and healing were both part of a divine plan revealed through specific, personal guidance.

Where else these words appear

“Ananias” Greek G367 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
  • Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
  • Acts 22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

“vision” Greek G3705 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
  • Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
  • Acts 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

“sight” Greek G308 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
  • Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

“putting” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.