Acts 12:23

KJV

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} immediately {G3916} the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} smote {G3960} him {G846}, because {G473}{G3739} he gave {G1325} not {G3756} God {G2316} the glory {G1391}: and {G2532} he was {G1096} eaten of worms {G4662}, and gave up the ghost {G1634}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At once, because Herod did not give the glory to God, an angel of Adonai struck him down. He was eaten away by worms and died.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

American Standard Version

And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:23 records the swift and gruesome judgment of God upon King Herod Agrippa I, who was struck down by an angel and consumed by worms, ultimately dying because he accepted divine glory that belonged solely to God. This dramatic event serves as a stark testament to divine sovereignty, the severe consequences of human pride and blasphemy, and God's unwavering commitment to His own glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 12:23 concludes a pivotal narrative in the book of Acts that highlights the ongoing conflict between the burgeoning Christian church and worldly powers, specifically King Herod Agrippa I. The chapter opens with Herod's persecution of the church, including the execution of James, the brother of John [Acts 12:1-2](/acts/12-1-2 "Acts 12:1-2 - Herod's Persecution and James's Martyrdom"). His subsequent arrest of Peter with the intent to execute him after Passover [Acts 12:3-4](/acts/12-3-4 "Acts 12:3-4 - Peter's Imprisonment") sets the stage for a miraculous divine intervention where an angel frees Peter from prison [Acts 12:5-11](/acts/12-5-11 "Acts 12:5-11 - Peter's Miraculous Deliverance"). Following this, Herod, having failed to recapture Peter, travels to Caesarea. The immediate context of verse 23 describes Herod's public appearance before a delegation from Tyre and Sidon. Dressed in magnificent royal robes, he delivered an oration, and the people, in an act of extreme flattery, shouted, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" [Acts 12:20-22](/acts/12-20-22 "Acts 12:20-22 - Herod's Oration and Blasphemous Praise"). Instead of redirecting this worship to God, Herod embraced it, leading directly to the divine judgment described in verse 23.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great and a significant political figure in Judea. He ruled from AD 41-44, having gained favor with the Roman emperors Caligula and Claudius. His reign was marked by efforts to appease the Jewish population, including his persecution of Christians, which would have been seen favorably by certain Jewish factions. The event described in Acts 12:23 took place in Caesarea, a major Roman city and the administrative capital of Judea, known for its grand architecture and public spectacles. The custom of acclamation, where crowds would shout praises to rulers, was common in the Greco-Roman world. However, the specific acclamation "The voice of a god, and not of a man" was blasphemous in a Jewish context, as it attributed divine status to a human being. Roman emperors often accepted or even encouraged divine honors, but for a Jewish king like Herod, who understood the monotheistic nature of God, accepting such praise was a profound act of hubris and a direct affront to the God of Israel. Josephus, the Jewish historian, corroborates this account, describing Herod's death in similar terms, noting his acceptance of divine praise and subsequent illness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs and His swift, decisive response to blasphemy and pride. Herod's death is not presented as a natural occurrence but as a direct, supernatural act of God. Secondly, the passage highlights the critical theme of **Glory to God Alone**. The core reason for Herod's demise was his failure to give God the glory, a principle foundational to biblical theology. All praise, honor, and worship are due exclusively to God, as seen in passages like [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - To God Be the Glory") and [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Doing All to the Glory of God"). Thirdly, it serves as a vivid illustration of the **Consequences of Pride**. Herod's self-exaltation and acceptance of divine honors, especially after persecuting God's people, sealed his fate, echoing warnings found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Finally, the event reinforces **God's Sovereignty**, showing that even the most powerful earthly rulers are ultimately subject to God's supreme authority. God can raise up and bring down kingdoms according to His will, a truth powerfully articulated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **immediately (Greek, _parachrēma'_):** This adverb, derived from *para* (beside) and *chrēma* (a thing, business), literally means "at the thing itself" or "instantly." Its use here emphasizes the suddenness and directness of God's judgment. There was no delay between Herod's blasphemous act and the divine consequence, highlighting the immediacy of God's response to such a grave offense.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of *dokeō* (to seem, to think), *dóxa* refers to glory as something "very apparent," encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. In this context, it signifies the divine honor and worship that Herod accepted, which rightfully belongs only to God. His failure to give this *dóxa* to God was the specific sin that triggered the divine judgment.
* **eaten of worms (Greek, _skōlēkóbrōtos'_):** This compound adjective is formed from *skōlēx* (worm, maggot) and a derivative of *bibrōskō* (to eat). It literally means "worm-eaten" or "diseased with maggots." This gruesome detail underscores the humiliating and repulsive nature of Herod's death, a physical manifestation of divine wrath that stripped him of all earthly pomp and power, reducing him to a decaying corpse consumed by lowly creatures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him,"**: This clause describes the direct, supernatural intervention of God. The "angel of the Lord" is often understood in the Old Testament as a manifestation of God Himself or a divine messenger acting with God's full authority. The word "smote" (Greek: *patássō*) implies a forceful, decisive blow, indicating that Herod's affliction was not a natural illness but a direct act of divine judgment. The immediacy of the action ("immediately") emphasizes God's swift response to blatant sin.
* **"because he gave not God the glory:"**: This is the crucial explanation for the divine judgment. Herod's sin was not merely pride, but the specific act of accepting worship and praise that belonged exclusively to God. When the people acclaimed him as a god, he failed to rebuke them or redirect the praise to the true God. This act of self-exaltation and usurpation of divine honor was a direct affront to God's sovereignty and holiness.
* **"and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."**: This clause details the horrific physical consequences of God's judgment. "Eaten of worms" (Greek: *skōlēkóbrōtos*) describes a repulsive and humiliating death, a stark contrast to his earlier royal splendor. This detail emphasizes the complete degradation and abasement of Herod. The phrase "gave up the ghost" (Greek: *ekpsýchō*) means "to expire" or "to breathe out one's soul," signifying his death. The combination of these elements paints a vivid picture of a divinely orchestrated, ignominious end.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 12:23 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Divine Retribution**, where God directly intervenes to punish a specific sin, in this case, Herod's blasphemous acceptance of divine glory. This serves as a clear demonstration of God's justice and sovereignty. There is also strong **Irony** at play: Herod, who sought to persecute and eliminate God's people, is himself struck down by an agent of God, reducing his earthly power to nothing. The vivid, visceral description of being "eaten of worms" functions as **Symbolism** for utter humiliation and decay, stripping away all vestiges of his royal dignity. This grotesque detail also evokes a sense of **Pathos** for the swift and terrible end of a powerful ruler. The narrative also uses **Contrast** effectively, juxtaposing Herod's magnificent royal attire and the people's deifying shouts in [Acts 12:21-22](/acts/12-21-22 "Acts 12:21-22 - Herod's Grandeur and Blasphemy") with his sudden, ignominious death, highlighting the fleeting nature of human power when confronted with divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:23 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for human pride that encroaches upon His divine prerogative. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that all glory, honor, and worship belong to God alone. When humanity attempts to usurp this glory, whether through self-exaltation or by accepting undue praise, it constitutes a grave sin that provokes divine judgment. Herod's immediate and gruesome demise is a stark reminder that God is not mocked and that His justice is both swift and certain when His unique status is challenged. This event reinforces the consistent biblical warning against hubris and the call for humility before the Almighty, demonstrating that no earthly power can withstand the will of the Creator.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Share His Glory")
* [Daniel 4:30-37](/daniel/4-30-37 "Daniel 4:30-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation and Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic account of Herod's demise in Acts 12:23 offers timeless and potent lessons for every individual, regardless of their station in life. It challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of humility, recognizing that all our talents, achievements, and positions are gifts from God, not inherent merits of our own. True wisdom begins with acknowledging God's rightful place as Creator and Sustainer, and our complete dependence on Him. This passage calls us to be vigilant against the subtle allure of pride, which can manifest as a desire for recognition, an unwillingness to admit fault, or an inflated sense of self-importance. We are admonished to be quick to deflect praise to God when it is offered for our accomplishments, remembering that our lives should be a testament to His goodness and grace, not our own. Furthermore, it reminds us that God is a just God who will ultimately deal with all forms of rebellion and blasphemy, providing comfort and assurance to those who suffer under oppressive powers, knowing that divine justice will prevail in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to take glory for myself, rather than giving it to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility in my daily interactions and achievements?**
* **What does Herod's immediate judgment reveal about the seriousness of the sin of pride and blasphemy in God's eyes?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when I don't see immediate consequences for wrongdoing in the world?**

### FAQ
**Who was Herod Agrippa I, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great, ruling Judea from AD 41-44. He was a shrewd politician who managed to gain favor with both the Roman emperors (Caligula and Claudius) and the Jewish populace. His significance in the book of Acts lies in his persecution of the early Christian church, including the execution of James and the imprisonment of Peter [Acts 12:1-4](/acts/12-1-4 "Acts 12:1-4 - Herod's Persecution of the Church"). His death in [Acts 12:23](/acts/12-23 "Acts 12:23 - Herod's Death") marks a turning point, symbolizing God's protection over His church and His judgment against those who oppose Him.

**Why was Herod's death so gruesome, specifically being "eaten of worms"?**

Answer: The gruesome nature of Herod's death, being "eaten of worms," emphasizes the severity and humiliating nature of God's judgment. It was a physical manifestation of divine wrath, stripping away all his earthly pomp and power. This detail serves to highlight the complete degradation of one who dared to usurp divine glory. While unusual, similar accounts of tyrannical rulers dying from such afflictions are found in ancient literature, suggesting it was a recognized form of divine punishment or a particularly repulsive illness that could be interpreted as such. It underscores the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction").

**Does this event mean God always punishes pride and blasphemy immediately and visibly?**

Answer: Acts 12:23 demonstrates God's capacity and willingness to intervene directly and immediately in human affairs, especially when His glory is challenged. However, it does not imply that God always or immediately punishes pride and blasphemy in such a visible and dramatic manner. The Bible teaches that God is patient, "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience"). Often, God allows time for repentance, and His judgments, while certain, may not always be immediate or manifest in physical illness. This specific event serves as a powerful, historical example of divine justice, a warning, and a reassurance of God's ultimate sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:23, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against human pride, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person of Jesus Christ. Herod's sin was his refusal to give God the glory, grasping for divine honor that was not his. In profound contrast, Jesus, though "being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped" [Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility"), but instead "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Incarnation"). While Herod sought to be elevated by men, Jesus willingly humbled Himself, even to the point of "death on a cross" [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). It is precisely because of this unparalleled humility and obedience that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" [Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9-10 "Philippians 2:9-10 - Christ's Exaltation"). Thus, where Herod sought and received a fleeting, blasphemous glory that led to his destruction, Christ, by His self-emptying love and perfect obedience, received eternal, rightful glory from the Father, becoming the One through whom all true glory is given to God [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father"). Herod's death serves as a terrifying shadow of the fate of all who refuse to acknowledge God's unique glory, while Christ's life and exaltation reveal the pathway to true honor and life, found only in humble submission to the Father and the worship of His Son, the Lamb of God [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb").

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

Acts 10:25

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].

Acts 10:26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Psalms 115:1

¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

Acts 14:14

[Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

1 Samuel 25:38

And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.