Acts 12:22

KJV

And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the people {G1218} gave a shout {G2019}, saying, It is the voice {G5456} of a god {G2316}, and {G2532} not {G3756} of a man {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The mob cried out, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!”

Berean Standard Bible

And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!”

American Standard Version

And the people shouted, saying, The voice of a god, and not of a man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:22 captures the moment of King Herod Agrippa I's blasphemous reception of divine honors from the people of Tyre and Sidon in Caesarea. As Herod, arrayed in royal splendor, addressed the crowd, they responded with an idolatrous acclamation, declaring his voice to be that of a god and not of a mere man. This public deification of a mortal ruler, which Herod readily accepted, sets the immediate stage for the swift and dramatic divine judgment that follows, powerfully illustrating God's intolerance for human pride and usurpation of His unique glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 12:22 is a critical turning point within the broader narrative of Acts 12, which vividly portrays the intense persecution faced by the early church and God's sovereign intervention. The chapter begins with King Herod Agrippa I initiating a brutal campaign against believers, executing James, the brother of John, with the sword ([Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - Herod Kills James")). He then proceeds to imprison Peter, intending to execute him after Passover, mirroring the fate of James. However, God miraculously delivers Peter from prison through an angel ([Acts 12:7-11](/acts/12-7-11 "Acts 12:7-11 - Peter's Miraculous Escape")), demonstrating His protective hand over His church. Following this divine deliverance, the narrative shifts abruptly to Herod in Caesarea, where he receives the idolatrous praise described in this verse, immediately preceding his divine judgment and death ([Acts 12:23](/acts/12-23 "Acts 12:23 - Herod's Divine Judgment")). This juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between God's power and human arrogance, and His unwavering commitment to His people while judging those who oppose Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event takes place in Caesarea Maritima, a prominent Roman city on the coast of Judea, built by Herod the Great and serving as the Roman administrative capital. Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great and nephew of Herod Antipas, was a shrewd politician who managed to gain favor with the Roman emperors Caligula and Claudius, consolidating a vast territory that rivaled that of his grandfather. He was known for his efforts to appease both the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace, often participating in Jewish customs while also embracing Roman imperial practices. The specific occasion for this address involved a delegation from Tyre and Sidon, two Phoenician cities that depended on Judea for food supplies, seeking peace with Herod after some dispute. In the Roman world, it was common for rulers, especially emperors, to be deified or worshipped as divine figures. While Jews resisted such practices, Hellenistic and Roman populations, particularly in cities like Caesarea, were accustomed to bestowing divine honors upon powerful leaders, making the crowd's acclamation a culturally plausible, though blasphemous, act.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 12:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **idolatry and blasphemy**, as the crowd attributes divine status to a mere mortal, directly violating the First Commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). Secondly, it highlights the dangerous theme of **human pride and its inevitable divine judgment**. Herod's willingness to accept such adulation demonstrates his profound hubris, which God swiftly punishes, reinforcing the biblical principle that God does not share His glory with another ([Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared")). This event serves as a stark reminder that earthly power, no matter how extensive or celebrated, is fleeting and ultimately subordinate to God's eternal sovereignty, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament concerning proud kings and empires ([Daniel 4:30-37](/daniel/4-30-37 "Daniel 4:30-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shout (Greek, _epiphōnéō'_):** This verb signifies to "call at something" or "exclaim," implying a loud, public declaration. In this context, it describes a spontaneous, perhaps even orchestrated, outburst of acclamation from the crowd, designed to express extreme praise and reverence for Herod. The intensity of the "shout" underscores the fervent, almost frenzied, nature of their adulation.
* **god (Greek, _theós'_):** This term refers to a deity. While it can refer to the one true God, in this context, given the pagan cultural backdrop and the specific claim, it refers to a pagan deity or the deification of a human. The crowd's declaration was not merely hyperbole but an attribution of divine essence or status to Herod, a direct affront to the monotheistic understanding of God held by Jews and early Christians.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This noun denotes a human being, emphasizing the stark contrast with "god." The crowd's statement explicitly denies Herod's humanity in favor of his supposed divinity. This word highlights the fundamental boundary between the Creator and creation, a boundary that Herod, by accepting the praise, willingly transgressed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people gave a shout":** This phrase describes the collective, enthusiastic response of the crowd to Herod's address. The "shout" indicates a loud, public, and unified acclamation, signifying their approval and awe. It sets the scene for the dramatic declaration that follows, emphasizing the public nature of the blasphemy.
* **"saying, It is the voice of a god":** This is the core of the crowd's idolatrous proclamation. They attribute divine authority and essence to Herod's voice, implying that his words carry the weight and power of a deity. This statement suggests that Herod's oratorical skills and majestic appearance were so impressive that the people were moved to consider him more than human, perhaps even a manifestation of a god.
* **"and not of a man":** This concluding phrase explicitly negates Herod's humanity in their acclamation. It reinforces the idea that they genuinely believed, or at least publicly declared, that Herod transcended the limitations of a mortal being. This denial of his human nature in favor of a divine one is the essence of the blasphemy, setting up the immediate divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 12:22 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the crowd's exaggerated praise, elevating Herod beyond human status. While seemingly a compliment, it becomes a dangerous overstatement that crosses into blasphemy. The verse also features stark **Contrast** between "a god" and "a man," highlighting the fundamental theological distinction between the divine and the human, which the crowd deliberately blurrs. This contrast serves to emphasize the gravity of their idolatry and Herod's pride. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** in the situation: Herod, who had persecuted the followers of the true God, is now being worshipped as a god himself, only to face immediate divine judgment. The verse also acts as a dramatic **Foreshadowing** of Herod's imminent downfall, as such blasphemous claims against the one true God in the biblical narrative invariably invite swift and severe divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:22 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty and unique glory of God. The crowd's acclamation, and Herod's acceptance of it, represents a direct usurpation of divine prerogative, an act of idolatry that God, in His holiness, cannot tolerate. It underscores the biblical truth that all glory belongs to God alone, and any attempt by humanity to claim or accept divine honors is a grave affront. This incident powerfully demonstrates that earthly power, no matter how impressive or widely acclaimed, is ultimately fragile and subject to the divine will. God's immediate judgment on Herod in the subsequent verse ([Acts 12:23](/acts/12-23 "Acts 12:23 - Herod's Death")) is a vivid testament to His unwavering commitment to upholding His own glory and judging human pride.

* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared"): "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."
* [Psalm 115:1](/psalms/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - To God Alone Be Glory"): "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."
* [Daniel 4:30-37](/daniel/4-30-37 "Daniel 4:30-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation"): This passage recounts King Nebuchadnezzar's boastful pride and subsequent humbling by God, a parallel to Herod's fate, emphasizing divine sovereignty over human rulers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Acts 12:22 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for all believers, reminding us of the insidious nature of pride and the singular majesty of God. Herod's downfall serves as a stark warning against the dangers of accepting undue praise or allowing our egos to swell with worldly success. In a culture that often celebrates self-promotion and attributes extraordinary qualities to human leaders, this verse calls us to maintain a humble posture, recognizing that all true power, wisdom, and success originate from God. It challenges us to constantly direct all glory and honor back to Him, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty over every aspect of life. Furthermore, it encourages us to be discerning, resisting the temptation to deify human figures or place our ultimate trust in earthly institutions, for only God is truly worthy of our worship and unwavering allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek or accept undue praise, subtly taking glory that belongs to God alone?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility, recognizing God's sovereignty over my life and accomplishments?**
* **What earthly "voices" or figures in my life might I be tempted to elevate to a near-divine status, and how can I reorient my worship solely to God?**
* **How does Herod's swift judgment remind me of the seriousness of pride and idolatry in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people declare Herod to be a god?**

Answer: The people's declaration that Herod's voice was "of a god, and not of a man" was likely a combination of factors. Historically, Herod Agrippa I was a skilled orator and had a majestic presence, especially when arrayed in his royal robes. The specific occasion involved a delegation from Tyre and Sidon seeking peace, and it was common in the Hellenistic and Roman world for rulers to be deified or for their speeches to be attributed divine inspiration, particularly when they were seen as bringing peace or prosperity. This was a form of extreme flattery and political appeasement, designed to curry favor with the king, even if it meant crossing into blasphemy from a Jewish perspective.

**What was Herod's mistake in this situation?**

Answer: Herod's critical mistake was his willingness to accept the blasphemous praise. The text implies he did not immediately give glory to God ([Acts 12:23](/acts/12-23 "Acts 12:23 - Herod's Death")), but rather reveled in the adulation, effectively allowing himself to be treated as a deity. This act of pride and usurpation of God's unique glory was a direct affront to the Almighty, leading to his immediate and dramatic divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that God does not share His glory with another ([Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared")) and will judge those who claim divine prerogatives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:22, with its stark depiction of human pride and divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Herod Agrippa I eagerly accepted false deification, Jesus Christ, who is truly God incarnate, humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant and being born in human likeness ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). The crowds in Acts 12:22 falsely ascribed divinity to a man; in contrast, the true "voice of a god" was heard in Jesus, whose words carried divine authority and power, healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority")). Unlike Herod, who was struck down for accepting glory, Jesus consistently directed all glory to His Father ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")) and ultimately received true glory not through human acclamation but through His resurrection and ascension, where every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Herod's demise serves as a powerful negative example, underscoring the unique deity of Christ and the profound humility that marks His true kingship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 13:4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Acts 14:10

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Acts 14:13

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Jude 1:16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

Daniel 6:7

All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.