And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

ACTS 9:34KJV
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Acts 9:34 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:34 mean?

Acts 9:34 describes Peter telling a man named Aeneas that Jesus Christ heals him, commanding him to get up and make his bed; Aeneas immediately gets up, showing he is healed. The verse highlights a miraculous healing done in the name of Jesus, not by Peter’s own power.

Peter is speaking directly to Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis. The situation takes place in Lydda, where Peter visits the believers. The verse emphasizes that the healing comes from Jesus Christ, and Peter’s words and actions point to Jesus as the true source of restoration.

The Greek behind Acts 9:34

  • Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (Iēsous Christos): "Jesus Christ" is named as the one who heals, making it clear that the power is not Peter’s but comes from Jesus.
  • ἰᾶταί (iatai): Translated as "maketh thee whole" or "heals you," this word carries the sense of complete healing or restoration, not just a temporary fix.
  • ἀνάστηθι (anastēthi): "Arise" is a command to get up, which would have been impossible for Aeneas before this moment, showing the immediate and total nature of the healing.
  • στρῶσον (strōson): "Make thy bed" means to arrange or prepare his sleeping mat, a practical sign that Aeneas is fully restored and able to care for himself again.

Why Acts 9:34 matters

  • The verse clarifies that miracles in Acts are attributed directly to Jesus, even when performed by apostles like Peter, keeping the focus on Jesus as the living healer.
  • Acts 9:34 sets up the impact of this healing on the wider community, as many people in Lydda and Sharon turn to the Lord after witnessing Aeneas’s recovery.
  • The specific commands to "arise" and "make your bed" show the completeness of the healing—Aeneas is not just able to stand, but fully restored to normal life.

Where else these words appear

“Aeneas” Greek G132 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

“make” Greek G4766 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
  • Mark 14:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.

“maketh” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

“thy” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;