Acts 13:34

KJV

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as concerning that {G3754} he raised {G450} him {G846} up {G450} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, now no more {G3371} to {G3195} return {G5290} to {G1519} corruption {G1312}, he said {G2046} on this wise {G3779},{G3754} I will give {G1325} you {G5213} the sure {G4103} mercies {G3741} of David {G1138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And as for his raising him up from the dead, to return to decay no more, he said,

‘I will give the holy and trustworthy things of David to you.’

Berean Standard Bible

In fact, God raised Him from the dead, never to see decay. As He has said: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’

American Standard Version

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:34 stands as a cornerstone in Paul's powerful sermon at Antioch of Pisidia, articulating the unique and permanent nature of Jesus' resurrection. This verse asserts that Christ was raised from the dead never again to experience decay, directly linking this triumph over corruption to God's ancient, unwavering promises to King David—promises of an everlasting kingdom and steadfast love, now perfectly fulfilled in the resurrected Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:16-41) is a masterful presentation of salvation history culminating in Jesus. Following a review of Israel's history and the rise of King David, Paul introduces Jesus as the promised descendant of David and the Savior. Acts 13:33-37 specifically focuses on the resurrection, citing various Old Testament passages to prove that Jesus' raising from the dead was not only prophesied but was distinct from any prior resuscitation. Verse 34, in particular, quotes or alludes to [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Everlasting Covenant") to underscore the eternal and incorruptible nature of Jesus' new life, contrasting it with the temporary revivals of others (like Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised")). This verse serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the historical fact of Jesus' resurrection to the prophetic promises of God, especially those made to David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul and Barnabas were on their first missionary journey, ministering in a synagogue setting where the audience comprised both native Jews and Gentile "God-fearers" (proselytes or those sympathetic to Judaism). For this Jewish audience, the covenant with David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") and echoed in numerous Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Steadfast Love for David")), was foundational to their messianic expectations. They anticipated a Davidic king who would establish an eternal kingdom. Paul's strategic use of [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Sure Mercies of David"), which speaks of "the sure mercies of David" (or "the holy and faithful things of David" in the Septuagint), would have immediately resonated. This phrase, originally connected to God's covenant loyalty to David, is reinterpreted by Paul to refer to the ultimate fulfillment of that covenant in Jesus' incorruptible resurrection, thereby validating His claim as the Messiah and the true heir to David's throne.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's sermon and the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the **Uniqueness and Permanence of Christ's Resurrection**. Unlike any other person raised from the dead, Jesus' resurrection was to an eternal, incorruptible life, signifying His definitive victory over death and decay. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, particularly concerning the Davidic Messiah. Paul meticulously demonstrates that Jesus' death and resurrection are not random events but the precise culmination of God's ancient promises, especially those found in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - Prophecy of No Corruption") and [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Everlasting Covenant"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**. The "sure mercies of David" emphasize God's absolute reliability and steadfast love, demonstrating that His promises, especially those concerning the Messiah and His eternal kingdom, are utterly dependable and have been brought to fruition in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **corruption (Greek, _diaphthorá'_):** From G1312, meaning "decay" or "perishing." This word is crucial as it emphasizes the physical process of decomposition that a body undergoes after death. Paul's assertion that Jesus was raised "no more to return to corruption" highlights the unique and permanent nature of Christ's resurrection. It distinguishes His resurrection from a mere resuscitation (like Lazarus), where the individual returns to mortal life and is still subject to eventual decay. Jesus' resurrection signifies a transformation into an incorruptible, glorified state, victorious over the ultimate consequence of sin.
* **sure (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, meaning "trustworthy" or "faithful." Applied to God's "mercies," this term underscores the absolute reliability and unwavering dependability of God's promises. It conveys that what God has pledged, particularly concerning His covenant with David and the coming Messiah, is not subject to change or failure. The resurrection of Jesus serves as the ultimate proof of God's faithfulness, demonstrating that His word is true and His redemptive plan will be fully accomplished.
* **mercies (Greek, _hósios'_):** From G3741, properly meaning "right by intrinsic or divine character," often translated as "holy" or "pious." In the context of the Septuagint translation of Isaiah 55:3, it refers to God's steadfast, covenantal love and loyalty, often rendered as "steadfast love" or "covenant mercies." These are not merely acts of compassion but are rooted in God's holy character and His unbreakable covenant commitments. By applying "the sure mercies of David" to Jesus' resurrection, Paul affirms that God's holy and faithful promises, particularly those concerning the Davidic line and an everlasting kingdom, find their ultimate and secure fulfillment in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead":** This clause introduces the central point of Paul's argument: the resurrection of Jesus. Paul has been building to this climax, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah. The resurrection is presented as the divine act that validates Jesus' claims and fulfills prophecy, serving as the undeniable proof of His identity and power.
* **"now no more to return to corruption":** This is the pivotal qualification of Jesus' resurrection. It emphasizes its unique and permanent nature. Unlike others who were brought back to life in the Bible (e.g., the daughter of Jairus, the widow's son, Lazarus), Jesus was raised to a new, incorruptible existence. His body was transformed, no longer subject to decay or death. This signifies His complete victory over sin and death, establishing Him as the "firstfruits" of those who will rise to eternal life.
* **"he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David":** Here, Paul directly quotes or alludes to [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - God's Everlasting Covenant"). This prophetic declaration, originally spoken to Israel concerning God's covenant loyalty and promise of an everlasting covenant, is now applied by Paul to the resurrection of Jesus. The "sure mercies of David" refer to God's steadfast, trustworthy promises to David concerning his lineage and an eternal kingdom. Paul argues that Jesus' incorruptible resurrection is the ultimate manifestation and guarantee of these promises, confirming Him as the true Davidic Messiah whose kingdom will never end because He has conquered death itself.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in Acts 13:34 to underscore his theological argument. Foremost is **Allusion** and **Quotation**, as he directly references [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Everlasting Covenant") (and implicitly [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - Prophecy of Resurrection")) to establish the Old Testament prophetic foundation for Jesus' resurrection. This technique grounds his new covenant message in the familiar and authoritative Hebrew Scriptures, making it persuasive to his Jewish audience. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** evident in the phrase "no more to return to corruption." This implicitly contrasts Jesus' resurrection with all other instances of resuscitation in both Old and New Testaments, highlighting the unique, eternal, and glorified nature of Christ's resurrected body versus a return to mortal life. This contrast serves to **Emphasize** the finality and triumph of Jesus' victory over death, distinguishing His resurrection as a singular, redemptive event that guarantees a future hope for all who believe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:34 is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of Christ's resurrection and God's unwavering faithfulness. It establishes that Jesus' resurrection was not merely a historical event but a theological necessity, fulfilling ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new era. The incorruptible nature of His resurrection signifies His complete triumph over the power of death and decay, which are consequences of sin. This victory is the bedrock of Christian hope, assuring believers of their own future resurrection to an incorruptible body. Moreover, the verse connects this triumph directly to God's "sure mercies of David," underscoring that God's covenant promises, particularly those concerning the Davidic Messiah and an everlasting kingdom, are utterly trustworthy and have found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. This demonstrates God's consistent redemptive plan unfolding through history, culminating in Christ.

* [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Prophecy of No Corruption")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "The Everlasting Covenant")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:34 offers profound encouragement and a solid foundation for faith in the face of life's uncertainties and the inevitability of death. The assurance that Jesus was raised "no more to return to corruption" provides an unshakeable hope for believers. Our future resurrection is guaranteed by His, and it will be to an eternal, incorruptible state, free from the decay and limitations of our current bodies. This truth calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and finding comfort in the promise of life beyond the grave. Furthermore, the "sure mercies of David" remind us that God is utterly faithful to His promises. Whatever He has declared in His Word, He will bring to pass. This should cultivate deep trust in His character and His redemptive plan for our lives and the world. We are invited to rest in the certainty of a God who keeps His word, whose love is steadfast, and whose ultimate promise of eternal life in Christ is secured by the resurrection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unique, incorruptible nature of Jesus' resurrection impact your understanding of your own future hope?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's "sure mercies" and His unwavering faithfulness?**
* **How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus' resurrection strengthen your confidence in the reliability of God's Word?**

### FAQ

**What are the "sure mercies of David" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "sure mercies of David" (Greek: _ta hosia Dabid ta pista_) refer to God's steadfast, covenantal promises made to King David. These promises, primarily found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"), guaranteed that David's house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever. In [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Everlasting Covenant"), God extends these "sure mercies" to all His people, promising an everlasting covenant. Paul, in Acts 13:34, interprets this as being perfectly and eternally fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true heir of David's throne, whose resurrection to incorruptible life ensures His eternal reign and the permanence of His kingdom.

**How is Jesus' resurrection different from other instances of people being raised from the dead in the Bible?**

Answer: Jesus' resurrection is fundamentally different because He was raised "no more to return to corruption." In other biblical accounts, such as the raising of Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised") or the widow's son in [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son"), individuals were resuscitated back to their mortal lives and eventually died again. Jesus, however, was raised to a new, glorified, and incorruptible body, no longer subject to decay, sickness, or death. His resurrection was a transformation to an eternal state, signifying His complete victory over sin and death, and serving as the "firstfruits" of the general resurrection of believers ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:34 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's ancient promises. The "sure mercies of David" find their ultimate and eternal reality in Jesus Christ, who, as the true Son of David ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Concerning His Son")), was raised from the dead never to return to corruption. This incorruptible resurrection is the very guarantee of the everlasting Davidic kingdom, not of an earthly political reign, but of a spiritual and eternal dominion established through His victory over sin and death. Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of the new covenant, where the "mercies" promised to David are extended to all who believe, offering not just a temporary reprieve but eternal life and freedom from the power of decay ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ Died No More")). He is the living embodiment of God's faithfulness, the one in whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Through His resurrection, Christ has secured for us a living hope and the promise of our own future incorruptible bodies, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of all God's redemptive purposes ([1 Corinthians 15:53-57](/1_corinthians/15-53-57 "1 Corinthians 15:53-57 - Victory Over Death")).

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

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

Psalms 89:2

For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

Romans 6:9

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.