Acts 13:35

KJV

Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm], Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} he saith {G3004} also {G2532} in {G1722} another {G2087} psalm, Thou shalt {G1325} not {G3756} suffer {G1325} thine {G4675} Holy One {G3741} to see {G1492} corruption {G1312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is explained elsewhere:

‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.’

Berean Standard Bible

So also, He says in another Psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’

American Standard Version

Because he saith also in another psalm, Thou wilt not give thy Holy One to see corruption.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:35 captures a pivotal moment in Paul's sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, where he quotes from Psalm 16:10 to conclusively demonstrate the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul argues that unlike King David, who died and experienced bodily decay, God's "Holy One"—Jesus—was divinely preserved from corruption, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecy and establishing His unique identity as the Messiah who conquered death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:35 is situated within Paul's inaugural recorded sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, a foundational discourse that outlines the gospel message. Paul meticulously traces salvation history from Israel's beginnings through the judges, King David, and the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah. He highlights John the Baptist as the forerunner, then transitions to the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. The immediate verses leading up to Acts 13:35 emphasize that David "fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption" ([Acts 13:36](/acts/13-36 "Acts 13:36 - David's Death and Burial")), setting up a crucial contrast. Paul then introduces Psalm 16:10 as a prophecy that *could not* have referred to David, precisely because David's body did decay. This literary move powerfully directs the prophecy's fulfillment exclusively to Jesus, whose body did not undergo decomposition, thereby proving His unique Messianic identity and resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon took place in a synagogue, a setting where Jewish scripture (the Old Testament) was regularly read and expounded upon. His audience would have included devout Jews and "God-fearers" (Gentiles who adhered to Jewish monotheism and ethical standards). For this audience, the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy was paramount to validating any claim of Messiahship. The concept of bodily decay after death was a universal and undeniable reality in the ancient world; bodies were buried and naturally decomposed. Therefore, a claim that someone's body did *not* see corruption was extraordinary and required divine intervention. Paul's argument hinges on this common understanding, making the exception for Jesus all the more miraculous and compelling as evidence of His divine status and resurrection. The sermon's structure reflects a common rabbinic method of interpreting scripture, drawing connections between Old Testament texts and contemporary events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Centrality of the Resurrection** to the Christian faith. Paul's entire argument for Jesus' Messiahship and the efficacy of His sacrifice rests on the fact that He rose from the dead, conquering death and decay, as also seen in [Paul's defense before Agrippa](/acts/26-23 "Acts 26:23 - The Resurrection of Christ"). Secondly, it exemplifies the **Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy**, demonstrating how the Old Testament scriptures precisely foretold the coming and work of Jesus Christ, validating His identity as the promised "Holy One" of God. This theme is foundational to early Christian apologetics, as seen in [Peter's Pentecost sermon](/acts/2-25-32 "Acts 2:25-32 - Peter's Sermon on the Resurrection"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereign Preservation** of His Anointed One, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises and His unique relationship with Jesus. Finally, it reinforces the **Continuity of God's Plan** across the Old and New Covenants, showing that Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive history, not a deviation from it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **suffer (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word, typically meaning "to give," is used here in a specific sense, as indicated by its wide application in the Strong's definition, to mean "to permit" or "to allow." In the context of "Thou shalt not suffer," it conveys God's active decision and power to prevent something from happening. It emphasizes God's sovereign will in preventing His Holy One from undergoing decay.
* **Holy One (Greek, _hósios'_):** This term denotes someone who is intrinsically righteous, pure, and hallowed by divine character. It distinguishes Jesus from all others, indicating His unique moral perfection and His special consecration by God for a divine purpose. It signifies His unique status as the Messiah, set apart from humanity's fallen state and from the natural processes of corruption.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** While primarily meaning "to see" literally, this verb can also imply "to experience" or "to perceive" in a figurative sense. In this context, "to see corruption" means "to experience corruption" or "to undergo decay." It's not merely a visual observation but an experiential reality that Jesus was exempt from.
* **corruption (Greek, _diaphthorá'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to destroy thoroughly," this noun specifically refers to physical decay, decomposition, or putrefaction of a body after death. It is distinct from death itself. The prophecy states that Jesus' body would not undergo this natural process of disintegration, which is a powerful testimony to His miraculous resurrection and divine preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore he saith also in another psalm,"**: Paul introduces his quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 16:10. By stating "another psalm," he distinguishes it from earlier references to David and signals that this particular prophecy has a distinct, deeper fulfillment beyond David himself. This phrase sets the stage for a critical exegetical argument, drawing on the authority of inspired scripture.
* **"Thou shalt not suffer"**: This clause emphasizes God's active, sovereign will and power. It is God who prevents the decay. The verb "suffer" (from _dídōmi_) here means "to allow" or "to permit," indicating that God deliberately intervenes to ensure His Anointed One does not experience corruption. This highlights divine agency in the resurrection.
* **"thine Holy One"**: This is a direct address from God the Father to the Messiah, identifying Jesus as uniquely consecrated, righteous, and set apart. The term "Holy One" (Greek _hósios_) signifies His intrinsic purity and His special status as the chosen and anointed servant of God. It underscores His divine nature and His unique relationship with the Father, distinguishing Him from all others, including David.
* **"to see corruption."**: This is the core prophetic declaration. "To see corruption" means to undergo the process of physical decay or decomposition after death. The prophecy asserts that Jesus' body would not experience this natural consequence of death. This is the precise point of contrast with David (Acts 13:36) and the irrefutable evidence for Jesus' physical resurrection, confirming His victory over death and the grave.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of Acts 13:35 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Paul directly quotes Psalm 16:10. This device lends immense authority and weight to his argument, grounding the new revelation of Christ in the established, revered scriptures of the Jewish people. Closely related is **Prophecy and Fulfillment**, where the ancient words of Psalm 16 are presented as a direct, precise prediction of Jesus' resurrection. Paul’s exegesis demonstrates how this prophecy, though spoken centuries earlier, found its ultimate and unique fulfillment in Christ, thereby validating His Messiahship. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between King David and Jesus. Paul explicitly states that David "saw corruption" ([Acts 13:36](/acts/13-36 "Acts 13:36 - David's Death and Burial")), setting up the antithesis that the "Holy One" of Psalm 16 could not be David, but must be Jesus, who did not experience decay. This contrast sharpens the argument for Jesus' unique identity and divine preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:35 profoundly affirms the theological cornerstone of the Christian faith: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. By quoting Psalm 16:10, Paul not only proves that Jesus rose from the dead but also that His resurrection was unlike any other—His body did not experience the natural process of decay. This divine preservation validates Jesus' unique status as God's "Holy One," confirming His sinlessness, His Messianic claims, and His ultimate victory over death and the grave. The fact that God would not "suffer" His Holy One to see corruption speaks volumes about the Father's active role in the resurrection and the inherent purity and righteousness of the Son. This truth provides the foundation for the Christian hope of eternal life and resurrection, assuring believers that death does not have the final word.

* [Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Peter's use of Psalm 16:10 at Pentecost")
* [Acts 2:31](/acts/2-31 "Peter's further explanation of Psalm 16:10")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth proclaimed in Acts 13:35 offers profound assurance and transformative hope for believers today. Knowing that Jesus Christ, God's "Holy One," did not "see corruption" but rose triumphantly from the grave means that His victory over death is complete and undeniable. This historical reality provides the bedrock for our faith, assuring us that our salvation is secured by a living Savior, not a dead prophet. It empowers us to face our own mortality with courage, understanding that through Christ, death is not an end but a gateway to eternal life. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even those hidden in ancient prophecies, reinforcing our trust in His Word and His meticulous plan for redemption. It calls us to live lives that reflect the power of the resurrection, walking in newness of life and sharing the good news of a resurrected Christ with a dying world, confident in the hope that He offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific detail that Jesus did not "see corruption" deepen your understanding of His resurrection, beyond simply "rising from the dead"?**
* **In what ways does this verse strengthen your trust in the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises, both ancient and personal?**
* **How should the truth of Jesus' incorruptible resurrection impact your daily walk and your perspective on mortality?**
* **What implications does Jesus being God's "Holy One" have for your worship and understanding of His unique identity?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Jesus' body did not "see corruption" beyond simply His resurrection?**

Answer: The distinction is crucial because "corruption" (Greek: _diaphthorá_) specifically refers to the physical decay and decomposition of a body after death. While many people in the Bible were raised from the dead (e.g., Lazarus in [John 11](/john/11 "The Raising of Lazarus")), their bodies would have eventually decayed. Jesus' resurrection was unique because His body was preserved from this natural process of disintegration. This signifies not just a return to life, but a transformation into an incorruptible, glorified body. It underscores His unique status as God's "Holy One" who truly conquered death in its fullest sense, not merely reversed it temporarily. This incorruptibility is a sign of His divine nature and the ultimate victory over the curse of sin and death.

**How does Paul's argument in Acts 13:35 relate to Peter's use of Psalm 16 in Acts 2?**

Answer: Paul's argument in [Acts 13:35-37](/acts/13-35-37 "Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia") is remarkably similar to Peter's argument in [Acts 2:25-31](/acts/2-25-31 "Peter's Pentecost Sermon"). Both apostles quote Psalm 16:10 ("Thou wilt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption") and apply it to Jesus. Both argue that King David, the author of the Psalm, did indeed die and "see corruption" ([Acts 2:29](/acts/2-29 "David's Tomb") and [Acts 13:36](/acts/13-36 "David's Death and Burial")), and therefore the prophecy could not have been about David himself. Instead, it must refer to the Messiah, Jesus, whose body did not decay. This parallel demonstrates a consistent apostolic interpretation of this key Messianic prophecy, highlighting its foundational importance in the early Christian proclamation of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:35 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the unique nature of Jesus' resurrection. As God's "Holy One," Jesus is the only one who could perfectly fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 16:10, for He alone was without sin and thus immune to the full curse of death, which includes bodily decay. His resurrection, free from corruption, is the ultimate demonstration of His triumph over sin, death, and the grave, validating His identity as the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This event is not merely a historical fact but the very cornerstone of the gospel, providing the foundation for our hope of eternal life. Because Jesus did not see corruption, He is the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ, the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing that all who are "in Christ" will also experience a resurrection to incorruptible life ([1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "The Incorruptible Body")). His incorruptible body foreshadows the glorified bodies believers will receive, confirming that death has lost its sting through Him ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "Victory over Death")). Thus, Acts 13:35 powerfully points to Jesus as the living Lord, whose victory over decay secures our future and empowers our present hope, making Him the central figure of God's redemptive plan.

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

Psalms 16:10

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 2:27

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 2:31

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Acts 13:36

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

Acts 13:37

But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Luke 2:26

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Psalms 49:9

That he should still live for ever, [and] not see corruption.