And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

ACTS 9:5KJV
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Acts 9:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:5 mean?

Acts 9:5 records Saul’s stunned question to the voice he hears—“Who are you, Lord?”—and the answer: “I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Jesus reveals himself as the one Saul has been opposing, and warns Saul that resisting him is both painful and futile, like kicking against sharp goads.

In this moment, Saul (later called Paul) is traveling to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus when he is stopped by a blinding light and a voice from heaven. Saul’s question shows his confusion and awe, while Jesus’ reply makes clear that Saul’s actions against Christians are really actions against Jesus himself. The phrase about “kicking against the pricks” uses a farming image: an ox that kicks against the pointed stick (goad) only hurts itself, highlighting the futility of fighting against God’s purpose.

The Greek behind Acts 9:5

  • κύριος (kurios): This word, translated “Lord,” can mean “master” or “one with authority.” Saul uses it here to address the powerful voice, showing respect and uncertainty about who is speaking.
  • Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): This is the Greek form of “Jesus.” The voice identifies itself directly as Jesus, leaving no doubt for Saul about whom he is encountering.
  • σκληρόν (sklēron): This word means “hard” or “difficult.” It emphasizes the pain and struggle Saul brings on himself by resisting.
  • κέντρα (kentra): Translated “pricks,” this refers to sharp goads used to prod oxen. The image suggests that Saul’s opposition is self-injurious and pointless.

Why Acts 9:5 matters

  • Acts 9:5 clarifies that persecuting Jesus’ followers is seen by Jesus as persecuting him personally, deepening the connection between Christ and his people.
  • The verse highlights the futility of resisting God’s will, using a vivid image familiar to people in an agricultural society.
  • This encounter is a turning point in the book of Acts, marking the beginning of Saul’s transformation from a fierce opponent of Jesus to one of Christianity’s most influential messengers.

Where else these words appear

“kick” Greek G2979 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

“pricks” Greek G2759 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

“hard” Greek G4642 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
  • John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
  • James 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

“persecutest” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.