Acts 13:36

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063}{G3303} David {G1138}, after he had served {G5256} his own {G2398} generation {G1074} by the will {G1012} of God {G2316}, fell on sleep {G2837}, and {G2532} was laid {G4369} unto {G4314} his {G846} fathers {G3962}, and {G2532} saw {G1492} corruption {G1312}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For David did indeed serve God’s purposes in his own generation; but after that, he died, was buried with his fathers and did see decay.

Berean Standard Bible

For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay.

American Standard Version

For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:36, part of Paul's sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, serves as a pivotal point in his argument for Jesus' resurrection. The verse recounts King David's faithful service to his generation according to God's will, acknowledging his mortality through the euphemism of "falling on sleep" and being "laid unto his fathers." Crucially, it highlights that David's body "saw corruption," setting a stark contrast with the imperishable nature of the Messiah, thereby laying the groundwork for Paul's subsequent declaration of Jesus' unique triumph over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:36 is embedded within Paul's comprehensive sermon delivered in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, spanning [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia"). In this address, Paul meticulously traces God's redemptive plan from Israel's history, through the Davidic covenant, to the advent of Jesus Christ. He strategically uses David's life and death as a foil to underscore the uniqueness of Jesus' resurrection. Following a review of Israel's history and the anointing of David as king ([Acts 13:17-23](/acts/13-17-23 "God's Providence in Israel's History")), Paul introduces John the Baptist as the forerunner to Jesus ([Acts 13:24-25](/acts/13-24-25 "John the Baptist Prepares the Way")). The sermon then pivots to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus ([Acts 13:26-37](/acts/13-26-37 "The Death and Resurrection of Jesus")), with verse 36 specifically setting up the contrast between David's mortality and Jesus' immortality, which is explicitly stated in [Acts 13:37](/acts/13-37 "Jesus Saw No Corruption"). This careful structuring builds an inescapable case for Jesus as the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in the synagogue consisted of both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles ([Acts 13:16](/acts/13-16 "Paul Addresses the Synagogue")). For the Jewish listeners, King David was a revered national hero, the quintessential king, and the recipient of God's eternal covenant ([2_samuel/7-12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). His life and reign represented the zenith of Israelite power and divine favor. The concept of "falling on sleep" as a euphemism for death was common in both Hebrew and Greek cultures, conveying a peaceful end. The idea of "being laid unto his fathers" refers to burial in a family tomb, a customary and honorable practice signifying a peaceful passing and joining one's ancestors. The crucial element of "seeing corruption" refers to the natural process of bodily decay after death, a universally understood biological reality. Paul's argument would resonate deeply with those familiar with Jewish scripture and tradition, as it directly references the messianic prophecy of [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - The Holy One Will Not See Decay"), which they would have understood to apply to the Messiah, but which Paul reinterprets in light of Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, as David "served his own generation by the will of God." This underscores that even the lives of great figures like David are part of God's overarching plan, serving a specific purpose for a specific time. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Reality of Human Mortality**, demonstrating that even the most favored and divinely appointed individuals, like David, are subject to death and decay, a universal human experience. This theme is crucial for establishing the uniqueness of Jesus. Thirdly, and most importantly, the verse develops the theme of **Messianic Fulfillment and Resurrection**. By contrasting David's corruption with the promised Messiah's incorruption, Paul lays the theological foundation for the central Christian doctrine: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. This distinction is vital for proving Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of prophecies, particularly those found in [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Michtam of David") and [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Sure Mercies of David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **served (Greek, _hypēretéō'_):** From the root meaning "to be a subordinate" or "under-rower," this word signifies to minister, to serve, or to subserve. It implies active, diligent service in a subordinate capacity, suggesting that David acted as God's instrument, fulfilling a divinely appointed role. His service was not self-directed but aligned with a higher purpose.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** This term refers to a specific period of time or the people living within that period. David's service was confined to his "own generation," meaning his particular era and the people within it. This emphasizes the temporal limitation of his work and life, contrasting it with the eternal impact of the Messiah.
* **will (Greek, _boulḗ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to will" or "to purpose," this word denotes volition, counsel, or purpose. David's service was not by chance or human initiative alone, but "by the will of God," indicating divine intention and sovereign design behind his life and actions. This highlights God's active involvement in human history.
* **corruption (Greek, _diaphthorá'_):** This word specifically means decay or decomposition. Its use here is crucial, as it refers to the physical disintegration of the body after death. Paul's assertion that David "saw corruption" directly sets up the contrast with Jesus, who, as the Holy One, did not experience this physical decay, thus proving His unique resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,"**: This opening clause establishes David's life as one of purposeful service, not according to his own desires but in alignment with God's sovereign plan. It acknowledges his historical role as a king and prophet, fulfilling a specific divine mandate within the temporal boundaries of his lifetime. This sets a precedent for understanding that even great human leaders operate within God's larger redemptive narrative.
* **"fell on sleep,"**: This is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly in the New Testament when referring to the deceased. It conveys the idea of a peaceful rest, suggesting that death is not an ultimate end but a temporary state, though in David's case, it emphasizes his full human mortality.
* **"and was laid unto his fathers,"**: This phrase signifies David's burial and joining his ancestors in the grave. It underscores the finality of his earthly life and his physical interment, a customary practice for royalty and patriarchs in ancient Israel. This detail further reinforces the reality of his death and physical presence in the tomb.
* **"and saw corruption:"**: This is the climactic and most significant part of the verse. It asserts that David's body underwent the natural process of physical decay in the tomb. This statement is vital because it directly contrasts with the prophecy of [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - God's Holy One Will Not See Decay"), which Paul will immediately apply to Jesus in [Acts 13:37](/acts/13-37 "Acts 13:37 - Jesus Did Not See Corruption"). The fact that David's body corrupted proves he was not the Messiah prophesied to be free from decay.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse to build his argument. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as David's mortality and corruption are explicitly presented to highlight the unique immortality of Jesus. This sets up a dramatic theological distinction between the greatest human king and the divine Messiah. The phrase "fell on sleep" is a classic example of **Euphemism**, softening the blunt reality of death while still conveying its finality for David. This gentle language makes the subsequent emphasis on "corruption" even more poignant. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - The Holy One Will Not See Decay"), which Paul will directly quote and interpret in the following verses. By stating that David *did* see corruption, Paul prepares his audience for the revelation that Jesus *did not*, thereby fulfilling the prophecy. The entire passage also functions as a form of **Rhetorical Preparation**, building a logical and compelling case for Jesus' messianic identity and resurrection by first establishing the limitations of even a revered figure like David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:36 serves as a critical bridge in Paul's presentation of the Gospel, demonstrating how God's redemptive plan unfolds through history, culminating in Christ. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereign control over human lives and historical epochs, showing that even the greatest of kings like David fulfill a specific, temporal purpose within God's eternal will. The verse powerfully underscores the universal reality of human mortality and physical decay, a consequence of sin, which sets the stage for the unique and miraculous nature of Jesus' resurrection. By emphasizing David's corruption, Paul highlights the necessity of a Messiah who would overcome death and decay, thus fulfilling the ancient prophecies that David himself could not. This distinction between David, who served his generation and died, and Jesus, who conquered death for all generations, is fundamental to Christian theology.

* [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - The Holy One Will Not See Decay")
* [Acts 2:29-31](/acts/2-29-31 "Peter's Sermon on David and the Resurrection")
* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:36 offers profound insights for believers today, inviting us to consider our own lives in light of God's eternal purposes. David's example of "serving his own generation by the will of God" challenges us to discern and faithfully pursue God's unique calling for our lives, recognizing that our time and talents are to be stewarded for His glory within our specific context. It reminds us that while our earthly lives are finite, our service, when aligned with God's will, contributes to His ongoing redemptive work in the world. Moreover, the stark reality of David's death and corruption serves as a powerful reminder of human mortality and the pervasive impact of sin, which ultimately leads to physical decay. Yet, this somber truth is not meant to leave us without hope. Instead, it directs our gaze to the glorious contrast of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and corruption. This verse, therefore, encourages us to place our ultimate hope not in human achievements or earthly legacies, but in the resurrected Christ, who promises eternal life and a future resurrection free from decay to all who believe. It strengthens our faith in the reliability of God's Word, demonstrating how ancient prophecies find their precise and perfect fulfillment in Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I "serve my own generation by the will of God" in my current circumstances?**
* **How does the reality of human mortality, as seen in David, deepen my appreciation for Jesus' resurrection and the hope it offers?**
* **What specific areas of my life do I need to surrender more fully to God's will, trusting in His sovereign plan?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul saying David "saw corruption" in Acts 13:36?**

Answer: The significance lies in Paul's broader argument for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. By stating that David "saw corruption" (meaning his body decayed in the grave), Paul establishes a crucial contrast. He is setting up the direct counter-argument in [Acts 13:37](/acts/13-37 "Acts 13:37 - Jesus Did Not See Corruption"), where he declares that Jesus, unlike David, "saw no corruption." This distinction is vital because it proves that Jesus is the "Holy One" prophesied in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - The Holy One Will Not See Decay"), whose body would not undergo decay. Thus, David's corruption serves as evidence that he was not the Messiah, while Jesus' incorruption confirms His unique messianic identity and resurrection from the dead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:36, while speaking of David, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. David, though a king after God's own heart and a type of the Messiah, was ultimately limited by his humanity and mortality; he "served his own generation by the will of God" and then "fell on sleep... and saw corruption." This verse underscores the temporary nature of even the greatest human achievements and the universal reign of death over all humanity, a consequence of sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). Jesus, however, is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the Son of David who reigns eternally ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Unlike David, who saw corruption, Jesus, the Holy One of God, "saw no corruption" ([Acts 13:37](/acts/13-37 "Acts 13:37 - Jesus Did Not See Corruption")), fulfilling the prophecy of [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - The Holy One Will Not See Decay")). His resurrection from the dead, with an imperishable body, demonstrates His victory over sin and death, providing the hope of eternal life and future resurrection for all who believe in Him ([1_corinthians/15-20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ is the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")). Thus, David's mortality highlights the unique, divine power of Christ, who truly serves all generations by conquering death itself, offering forgiveness of sins, and establishing an eternal kingdom ([Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Forgiveness Through Jesus")).

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 2:29

Men [and] brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

1 Kings 2:10

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

Acts 13:22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

1 Chronicles 18:14

So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

Genesis 3:19

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.

Psalms 78:71

From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.