New International VersionWhen the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
New Living TranslationPeter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
English Standard VersionNow when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Berean Standard BibleWhen the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Men, brothers, what shall we do?"
King James BibleNow when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
New King James VersionNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
New American Standard BibleNow when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?”
NASB 1995Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
NASB 1977Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
Legacy Standard BibleNow when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men, brothers, what should we do?”
Amplified BibleNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart [with remorse and anxiety], and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?”
Christian Standard BibleWhen they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen they heard this, they came under deep conviction and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?"”
American Standard VersionNow when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?
Contemporary English VersionWhen the people heard this, they were very upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Friends, what should we do?"
English Revised VersionNow when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the people heard this, they were deeply upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
Good News TranslationWhen the people heard this, they were deeply troubled and said to Peter and the other apostles, "What shall we do, brothers?"
International Standard VersionWhen the crowd that had gathered heard this, they were pierced to the heart. They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
NET BibleNow when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "What should we do, brothers?"
New Heart English BibleNow when they heard this, they were acutely distressed, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
Webster's Bible TranslationNow when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men, brethren, what shall we do?
Weymouth New TestamentStung to the heart by these words, they said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "Brethren, what are we to do?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
World English BibleNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd having heard, they were pricked to the heart; they also say to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “What will we do, men, brothers?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Men, brothers, what shall we do?"
Young's Literal Translation And having heard, they were pricked to the heart; they say also to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, 'What shall we do, men, brethren?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having heard, they were pricked in heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the sent, What shall we do, men, brethren? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow when they had heard these things, they had compunction in their heart, and said to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles: What shall we do, men and brethren?
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow when they had heard these things, they were contrite in heart, and they said to Peter and to the other Apostles: “What should we do, noble brothers?”
New American BibleNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?”
New Revised Standard VersionNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen they heard these things, their hearts were touched and they said to Simon and the rest of the apostles, Our brethren, what shall we do?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when they heard these things. They were stricken in their hearts, and they said to Shimeon and to the rest of the Apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the other apostles: Brethren, what shall we do?
Godbey New TestamentAnd hearing, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the other apostles, Men, brethren, what must we do?
Haweis New TestamentNow when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Mace New Testament
Now when they heard this, their hearts were struck with remorse, and they said to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do?
Weymouth New Testament
Stung to the heart by these words, they said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "Brethren, what are we to do?"
Worrell New Testament
And, hearing this, they were pricked in the heart, and said to Peter, and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren! what shall we do?"
Worsley New Testament
Now when they heardthis, they were pricked to the heart, and said unto Peter, andto the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Three Thousand Believe36Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” 37Whenthe people heard this,they were cutto theheartandaskedPeterandtheotherapostles,“Brothers,whatshall we do?”38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.…
Cross References Joel 2:28-32And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. / I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. ...
Zechariah 12:10Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
John 16:8And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
Luke 3:10-14The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” / John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” / Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” ...
Matthew 3:2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Romans 10:9-10that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Isaiah 53:5-6But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.
Ezekiel 36:26-27I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
Jeremiah 31:33-34“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. / No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”
Psalm 51:10-12Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. / Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. / Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.
2 Corinthians 7:10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
John 3:5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Romans 2:4Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Treasury of Scripture Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brothers, what shall we do? they. Acts 5:33 When they heardthat, they were cutto the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him withtheir teeth. Ezekiel 7:16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity. Men. Acts 1:16 Menand brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. what. Acts 9:5,6 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 16:29-31 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, … Acts 22:10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. Jump to Previous ApostlesCutEarsHeardHeartHeartsPeterPiercedPrickedRestTroubledWordsJump to Next ApostlesCutEarsHeardHeartHeartsPeterPiercedPrickedRestTroubledWordsActs 2 1.The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking various languages,12.are admired by some, and derided by others;14.whom Peter disproves;37.he baptizes a great number who were converted;41.who afterwards devoutly and charitably converse together;43.the apostles working many miracles,46.and God daily increasing his church.When the people heard thisThis phrase refers to the crowd's reaction to Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter had just explained the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. The audience, primarily Jewish, would have been familiar with the Old Testament prophecies Peter referenced, such as those from Joel and Psalms. The sermon was delivered in Jerusalem, a city central to Jewish religious life, during a major festival, which meant the audience was diverse, including Jews from various regions. they were cut to the heart
This expression indicates a deep conviction and emotional response. The Greek term used here implies a piercing or stabbing sensation, suggesting that the message profoundly affected the listeners. This conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out on the apostles at Pentecost. The concept of being "cut to the heart" aligns withHebrews 4:12, which describes the Word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. and asked Peter and the other apostles
Peter, as the spokesperson, stands with the other apostles, signifying unity and collective authority. The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection, giving them credibility. This moment marks the beginning of the apostolic ministry, where they take on the role of teaching and guiding the early church. “Brothers, what shall we do?”
The term "brothers" indicates a sense of community and shared heritage among the Jewish people. The question "what shall we do?" reflects a desire for repentance and action in response to the conviction they felt. This mirrors the response inLuke 3:10, where the crowd asks John the Baptist a similar question. The inquiry shows an openness to change and a willingness to follow the apostles' guidance, setting the stage for Peter's call to repentance and baptism in the following verses. Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterOne of Jesus' twelve apostles, Peter is the primary speaker in Acts 2, delivering a powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost. 2. The ApostlesThe group of Jesus' closest followers who were present with Peter, supporting his message and ministry. 3. The CrowdComposed of devout Jews from every nation under heaven, gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. 4. JerusalemThe city where the events of Pentecost took place, a central location for Jewish worship and pilgrimage. 5. PentecostA Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Teaching Points Conviction of the Holy SpiritThe phrase "cut to the heart" indicates a deep conviction brought about by the Holy Spirit. This conviction is essential for genuine repentance and transformation. The Power of the GospelPeter's sermon demonstrates the power of the gospel to pierce hearts and lead people to seek salvation. We should be bold in sharing the gospel, trusting in its power to transform lives. Response to ConvictionThe crowd's question, "What shall we do?" highlights the appropriate response to conviction—seeking guidance and taking action. When convicted, we should turn to God and His Word for direction. Community and SupportThe crowd addressed their question to Peter and the apostles, showing the importance of seeking guidance from mature believers and being part of a faith community. Repentance and ActionThe immediate response to the gospel message should be repentance and a willingness to change. This involves both a change of heart and a change of behavior. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 2:37?
2.How does Acts 2:37 demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit's conviction?
3.What role does repentance play in responding to the message in Acts 2:37?
4.How can we apply the listeners' response in Acts 2:37 to our lives?
5.What Old Testament prophecies connect to the events described in Acts 2:37?
6.How should Acts 2:37 influence our approach to sharing the Gospel today?
7.What does "cut to the heart" mean in Acts 2:37?
8.How does Acts 2:37 challenge personal accountability in faith?
9.Why did Peter's message in Acts 2:37 deeply affect the listeners?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 2?
11.What insights does Volume 22 offer on spiritual journeys?
12.What should we do next?
13.Why does psychology explain religious conversion better than divine intervention?
14.Should new believers be baptized right away?What Does Acts 2:37 Mean When the people heard thisPeter has just laid out the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus (Acts 2:22-36). The crowd “heard this,” meaning they took in the facts about Christ’s lordship and their own role in His crucifixion. - Hearing is the first step God uses to awaken faith (Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”). - The Spirit partners with the preached word to open ears, exactly as Jesus promised (John 16:8). - The scene mirrorsLuke 24:32, where the disciples’ hearts burned while Jesus opened the Scriptures; the same living word now works through Peter.
they were cut to the heartThe phrase portrays deep spiritual conviction. God’s word pierces, not merely informs. -Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “For the word of God is living and active… piercing even to dividing soul and spirit.” - This sorrow is godly, leading to life (2 Corinthians 7:10). - David models it inPsalm 51:17: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” The crowd is not convinced of an idea; they are confronted by their sin and the reality of a risen Savior.
and asked Peter and the other apostlesConviction drives them toward the very messengers they once dismissed. - God appoints leaders to guide seekers (Ephesians 4:11-12). - Like the Philippian jailer who cried, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30), they recognize that salvation requires a response explained by those who preach it (Romans 10:14-15). - The plural “apostles” underscores the unified witness of Christ’s authorized spokesmen (Acts 1:8).
“Brothers, what shall we do?”Their appeal shows humility and urgency. - They call the apostles “Brothers,” signaling openness to belong to the same redeemed family. - Action is expected; truth demands a personal step (James 1:22). - Similar language appears when crowds asked John the Baptist (Luke 3:10-14) and when Saul encountered Christ (Acts 9:6). The consistent biblical answer centers on repentance and faith—Peter will immediately say, “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). -Mark 1:15 captures the summary: “Repent and believe in the gospel.”
summaryActs 2:37 records the power of Spirit-filled preaching. As Peter proclaims Jesus, the listeners hear, feel a heart-piercing conviction, seek guidance from God-appointed leaders, and urgently ask how to respond. The verse teaches that genuine faith begins with hearing the gospel, experiencing Spirit-wrought conviction, submitting to biblical authority, and humbly seeking the obedient response God requires. (37) They were pricked in their heart.--The verb occurs here only in the New Testament, and expresses the sharp, painful emotion which is indicated in "compunction," a word of kindred meaning. A noun derived from it, or possibly from another root, is used in Romans 11:8 in the sense of "slumber," apparently as indicating either the unconsciousness that follows upon extreme pain, or simple drowsiness. In "attrition" and "contrition" we have analogous instances of words primarily physical used for spiritual emotions. Verse 37.- The rest for to the rest, A.V.; brethren for men and brethren, A.V. Pricked in their heart ( κατενύγησαν). The LXX. rendering of Psalm 109:16 (15, Prayer-book), "broken," or "vexed at the heart." Genesis 34:7 it is rendered "grieved." Unto Peter and the rest of the apostles. It is important to note from the beginning the relative position of Peter and the other apostles; a certain primacy and precedence, both in place and in action, he has undoubtedly. He is always named first, and he acts first, in preaching both to Jews and Gentiles. The keys are in his hands, and the door is first opened as he turns the lock. But it is equally clear that he is but one of the apostles; he is not set over them, but acts with them; he is not their superior, but their fellow; they are not eclipsed by his presence, but only animated by his example; inquirers after salvation do not ask at his mouth only, but of the whole college of the apostles. Brethren (see ver. 29). The Jews and Israelites now hold out the right hand of brotherhood to those whom before they reviled (ver. 13). What shall we do? It is a sign of the working of God's Spirit in the heart, renewing it to repentance, when men feel the need of changing their old course of thought and action, and inquire anxiously what they must do to inherit eternal life (comp. Mark 10:17; Acts 9:6; Acts 16:30).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [When]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[the people] heard [this],Ἀκούσαντες(Akousantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.they were cutκατενύγησαν(katenygēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2660:Met: I am pierced, stung, smitten. From kata and nusso; to pierce thoroughly, i.e. to agitate violently.to theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.heartκαρδίαν(kardian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588:Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.andτε(te)Conjunction
Strong's 5037:And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.askedεἶπόν(eipon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.PeterΠέτρον(Petron)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074:Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.otherλοιποὺς(loipous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3062:Left, left behind, the remainder, the rest, the others. Masculine plural of a derivative of leipo; remaining ones.apostles,ἀποστόλους(apostolous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652:From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.“Brothers,ἀδελφοί(adelphoi)Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.whatΤί(Ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.shall we do?”ποιήσωμεν(poiēsōmen)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.
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NT Apostles: Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this they were (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
