Acts 14:8

KJV

¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there sat {G2521} a certain {G5100} man {G435} at {G1722} Lystra {G3082}, impotent {G102} in his feet {G4228}, being {G5225} a cripple {G5560} from {G1537} his {G846} mother's {G3384} womb {G2836}, who {G3739} never {G3763} had walked {G4043}:

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a man living in Lystra who could not use his feet — crippled from birth, he had never walked.

Berean Standard Bible

In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked.

American Standard Version

And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:8 introduces a pivotal moment in the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, describing a man in Lystra who had been born with a severe physical disability, rendering him completely unable to walk. This verse meticulously details the man's lifelong "impotence" in his feet, emphasizing the congenital and undeniable nature of his condition, thereby setting the stage for a profound demonstration of divine power and validating the apostolic message that was about to be proclaimed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:8 immediately follows the persecution of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, where they narrowly escaped stoning after a plot by unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Having fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, this verse marks their arrival and the beginning of their ministry in Lystra. The description of the lame man serves as the narrative setup for a miraculous healing, which will then trigger a dramatic response from the Lystran populace, who mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods (Acts 14:11-13). This miracle, therefore, is not an isolated event but a crucial catalyst within the broader narrative of the apostles' evangelistic endeavors and the challenges they faced.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lystra was a Roman colony in the region of Lycaonia, part of the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey). Unlike Iconium, which had a significant Jewish population and synagogue, Lystra appears to have been predominantly Gentile, likely with a strong adherence to pagan worship, particularly the cults of Zeus and Hermes, as evidenced by the events that follow the healing (Acts 14:11-13). Physical disabilities like lameness were common in the ancient world, often leading to destitution and social marginalization, as there were no social welfare systems. The public nature of the man's condition, "from his mother's womb," would have been widely known in a smaller community like Lystra, making any subsequent healing undeniable and highly impactful to the local populace, who would interpret such an event through their polytheistic worldview.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Power and Healing** that accompanies the proclamation of the gospel, demonstrating God's active presence and validation of His messengers. The man's congenital and incurable condition underscores that only supernatural intervention could bring about such a restoration, echoing earlier healings in Acts, such as that of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Peter Heals the Lame Man"). Secondly, the miracle serves as a powerful **Validation of Apostolic Ministry**, providing tangible proof that Paul and Barnabas were indeed sent by God, preparing the hearts of the Lystrans for the message of salvation. Lastly, it exemplifies the theme of **Preparation for the Gospel**, where signs and wonders often precede and facilitate the reception of the good news, drawing attention and creating an openness for spiritual truth among those steeped in paganism, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **impotent (Greek, _adýnatos'_):** From G102, meaning "unable, i.e. weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible." This term powerfully conveys the man's complete and utter lack of physical capacity to use his feet. It emphasizes that his condition was not merely a weakness but an absolute inability, making any self-initiated movement or recovery an "impossible" feat.
* **cripple (Greek, _chōlós'_):** From G5560, meaning "halt, i.e. limping." This word directly describes the man's physical state, confirming that his "impotence" manifested as lameness. It paints a vivid picture of someone whose legs were useless for walking, forcing him to sit or crawl, further underscoring the severity and visibility of his disability to the Lystran community.
* **womb (Greek, _koilía'_):** From G2836, meaning "a cavity, i.e. (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix." The phrase "from his mother's womb" (G1537 _ek_ G3384 _mḗtēr_ G846 _autós_ G2836 _koilía_) specifies the congenital nature of his condition. This detail is crucial, as it eliminates any possibility of the lameness being feigned or a recent injury, thereby making the subsequent miracle undeniably authentic and profound.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra,"**: This opening clause introduces the subject of the narrative: an unnamed individual in the city of Lystra. The passive posture of "sat" immediately hints at his immobility, establishing his presence as a fixed, perhaps marginalized, figure within the community. The use of "certain man" (G5100 _tìs_ G435 _anḗr_) suggests he was a known local figure, though not necessarily a person of prominence.
* **"impotent in his feet,"**: This phrase directly states the man's primary physical affliction. "Impotent" (G102 _adýnatos_) signifies a complete lack of power or ability in his lower limbs, rendering them useless for their intended function of walking. This is the core of his physical limitation.
* **"being a cripple from his mother's womb,"**: This clause provides critical information about the origin and duration of his condition. He was not merely "impotent" but specifically "a cripple" (G5560 _chōlós_), meaning he was lame. The emphatic "from his mother's womb" (G1537 _ek_ G3384 _mḗtēr_ G2836 _koilía_) underscores that his disability was congenital, present since birth, and thus incurable by human means. This detail serves to magnify the miraculous nature of his eventual healing.
* **"who never had walked:"**: This final, concise statement powerfully confirms the lifelong and absolute nature of his lameness. The Greek "never" (G3763 _oudépote_) combined with "had walked" (G4043 _peripatéō_) leaves no ambiguity: this man had never taken a single step in his life. This comprehensive description of his condition sets the stage for the dramatic and undeniable miracle that follows, highlighting the magnitude of divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The description in Acts 14:8 employs several literary devices to emphasize the man's condition and magnify the impending miracle. **Descriptive Language** is used to paint a clear picture of his physical state ("impotent in his feet," "a cripple"). The phrase "from his mother's womb, who never had walked" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the congenital and lifelong nature of his disability. This extreme portrayal of helplessness creates a stark **Contrast** with the divine power about to be displayed, making the miracle all the more impactful. Furthermore, the detailed description of his chronic condition functions as **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the extraordinary event that will defy all natural expectations and highlight the supernatural source of Paul's authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:8 profoundly illustrates God's compassionate power to intervene in human impossibility, not merely for physical healing but as a sign pointing to spiritual truth. The man's lifelong lameness, a condition beyond human remedy, serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's spiritual inability to approach God or walk in His ways apart from divine grace. Just as the man was utterly dependent on an external power to walk, so too are all people dependent on Christ for spiritual life and transformation. This miracle, like many others in Acts, functions as a tangible demonstration of God's kingdom breaking into the world, validating the apostolic message and inviting people to encounter the living God who heals and restores. It underscores that God's power is not limited by the severity or duration of a human condition, whether physical or spiritual.

* [Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")
* [Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - The Paralytic Healed")
* [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Healing of the Man Born Blind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:8 challenges us to consider the depths of human need and the boundless nature of God's power. The detailed description of the man's congenital and lifelong disability reminds us that no condition, no matter how entrenched or seemingly hopeless, is beyond the reach of divine intervention. This should cultivate within us a profound sense of compassion for those who suffer from physical, emotional, or spiritual "impotence," prompting us to look beyond superficial appearances to the deeper needs of individuals. Furthermore, it encourages us to recognize that God often uses extraordinary circumstances to open doors for the gospel. Just as the lame man's healing prepared the way for Paul's message, our willingness to be instruments of God's love and power can create opportunities for others to encounter the transformative truth of Jesus Christ. This verse calls us to faith, reminding us that with God, truly, all things are possible, and that His power is always purposed to reveal His glory and draw people into His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the lame man's condition in Acts 14:8 deepen your appreciation for the miracle that follows?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the lives of those around you do you see "impotence" or seemingly impossible situations that need God's intervention?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of compassion for those who are marginalized or suffering, and how might God use you to bring His hope to them?**
* **What "signs and wonders" (spiritual or otherwise) has God used in your life or community to prepare hearts for the gospel message?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the man being "from his mother's womb" and "who never had walked"?**

Answer: The emphasis on the man being "from his mother's womb" (congenital) and having "never had walked" is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes the undeniable severity and chronicity of his condition. This was not a recent injury or a feigned disability but a lifelong, publicly known affliction. In ancient societies, such a condition would have been readily apparent and widely recognized by the community. Secondly, it eliminates any possibility of human intervention or natural recovery, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of the healing that follows. When Paul commands the man to stand, and he immediately leaps and walks (Acts 14:10), there can be no doubt that a supernatural power, specifically God's power, was at work. This detail serves to authenticate Paul's ministry and the divine origin of the message he proclaimed, making the miracle a powerful sign for the Lystran onlookers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the lame man in Acts 14:8, though performed by Paul, finds its ultimate significance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority and compassion by healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead, often specifically healing those born with disabilities, such as the man born blind in [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind"). These physical healings were not merely acts of benevolence but powerful signs pointing to a deeper spiritual reality: Jesus's power to overcome the spiritual lameness of humanity, which is born into sin and utterly unable to walk in righteousness. Just as the man in Lystra was physically "impotent" from birth, so too are all people spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, unable to approach God or live a life pleasing to Him without divine intervention, as described in [Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins"). Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, provides the spiritual healing that enables us to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")). The physical restoration of the lame man foreshadows the spiritual transformation available to all who believe in Jesus, where the spiritually crippled are made whole, able to leap for joy and walk in the freedom of God's grace, fulfilling the prophetic vision of [Isaiah 35:6](/isaiah/35-6 "Isaiah 35:6 - The Lame Shall Leap").

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 3:2

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

John 5:7

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Acts 4:9

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

John 9:1

¶ And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man which was blind from [his] birth.

John 9:2

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

John 5:3

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

John 5:5

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.