Acts 2:26

KJV

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} did {G2165} my {G3450} heart {G2588} rejoice {G2165}, and {G2532} my {G3450} tongue {G1100} was glad {G21}; moreover {G1161}{G2089} also {G2532} my {G3450} flesh {G4561} shall rest {G2681} in {G1909} hope {G1680}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For this reason, my heart was glad;
and my tongue rejoiced;
and now my body too will live on in the certain hope

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell in hope,

American Standard Version

Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:26, a direct quotation from [Psalm 16:9](/psalms/16-9 "Psalm 16:9 - David's Hope in God"), serves as a pivotal point in Peter's Pentecost sermon, articulating the Messiah's profound joy and unwavering confidence in the face of death, rooted in the divine promise of resurrection. This verse encapsulates the triumphant attitude of Jesus, whose heart rejoiced and tongue was glad, knowing that His physical body would rest in the grave not in decay, but in the certain hope of being raised by God. Peter masterfully applies this ancient prophecy to Jesus of Nazareth, demonstrating His unique identity as the Christ who conquered death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:26 is embedded within Peter's powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost, delivered to a diverse Jewish audience in Jerusalem. Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the disciples speaking in various tongues ([Acts 2:1-13](/acts/2-1-13 "Acts 2:1-13 - The Day of Pentecost")), Peter stands to explain these miraculous events, asserting that they are a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy ([Acts 2:16-21](/acts/2-16-21 "Acts 2:16-21 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")). He then shifts to the core of his message: the life, crucifixion, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter presents Jesus as the divinely attested Messiah, whom God "raised up, having loosed the pains of death" ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")). To substantiate this claim, Peter quotes extensively from [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Michtam of David"), beginning with [Acts 2:25](/acts/2-25 "Acts 2:25 - Peter Quotes Psalm 16:8"). Acts 2:26 is the continuation of this quotation, directly preceding Peter's crucial interpretive argument that David himself did not experience ultimate resurrection, thus proving the psalm's prophetic reference to the Messiah ([Acts 2:29-31](/acts/2-29-31 "Acts 2:29-31 - David's Tomb and Prophecy")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Pentecost (Shavuot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals for Jews, bringing a large, diverse Jewish population from across the Roman world to Jerusalem. This provided Peter with a unique opportunity to preach to a broad audience, many of whom were devout and steeped in the Old Testament Scriptures. The concept of resurrection was a point of contention within Judaism, with the Pharisees affirming it and the Sadducees denying it. Peter's sermon, therefore, directly confronted existing theological debates by asserting the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus. Furthermore, the reverence for King David was immense; he was considered the quintessential king and prophet, and the expectation of a Davidic Messiah was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatology. By quoting David's own words and demonstrating their fulfillment in Jesus, Peter leveraged a highly respected figure to bridge the gap between ancient prophecy and contemporary events. The Jewish understanding of the grave (Sheol) as a place of shadows and decay makes the "hope" expressed in this verse particularly striking and revolutionary.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and Peter's use of it, contributes significantly to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Prophecy and Fulfillment**, demonstrating how the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly the Psalms, intricately foretold the suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection of the Christ. Peter's hermeneutic establishes Jesus as the ultimate subject of these prophecies, thereby validating His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. Closely related is the theme of **Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith**. The resurrection of Jesus is presented not merely as an event, but as the divine vindication of Jesus and the foundation of Christian hope, proving God's power over death and sin. This is explicitly stated in [Acts 2:32](/acts/2-32 "Acts 2:32 - Jesus' Resurrection Confirmed"). The verse also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, showing that Jesus' journey through death was not a tragic end but a preordained part of God's redemptive plan. Finally, the **Joy and Confidence of the Messiah** in the face of death underscores Jesus' perfect trust in His Father, even in the darkest hour, providing a model of faith for believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Greek, _euphraínō'_):** This word, derived from "eu" (good) and "phren" (mind), means "to put (or be) in a good frame of mind," "to be glad," or "to make merry." In the context of Acts 2:26, it conveys a deep, inner state of gladness and contentment, even exultation, experienced by the Messiah. This joy is not superficial but stems from a secure knowledge of God's faithfulness and a confident expectation of future vindication. The KJV also translates "glad" from G21 (_agalliáō_), meaning "to jump for joy, i.e. exult," which reinforces the profound and expressive nature of this joy.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** This term refers to the physical body, the corporeal aspect of a human being. In this verse, it specifically denotes Jesus' physical body that was laid in the tomb. It emphasizes the reality of His death and burial, making the subsequent resurrection a literal, bodily event. The "flesh" here is not used in the Pauline sense of the sinful nature but simply as the material human body.
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** Derived from a primary word meaning "to anticipate, usually with pleasure," _elpís_ signifies expectation or confidence. It is a confident assurance, not a mere wish. In this verse, it is crucial: Jesus' flesh rests "in hope," meaning His time in the grave was not one of despair or ultimate dissolution, but was permeated by the certain expectation of resurrection. This hope is grounded in God's power and promise, ensuring that death would not have the final word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad":** This clause expresses the Messiah's profound inner joy and outward expression of praise or gladness. The "heart" (kardía) signifies the core of one's being—thoughts, emotions, will. The "tongue" being glad suggests vocal expression, perhaps in praise or confident declaration. This joy is not a denial of the suffering or death but a triumphant anticipation of victory over them, rooted in absolute trust in God's plan and power, even as He faced the grave.
* **"moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope":** This second clause directly addresses the physical reality of death and burial. The "flesh" refers to Jesus' physical body. The verb "shall rest" (kataskēnóō) implies a temporary lodging or dwelling, not a permanent state of decay. The critical phrase "in hope" clarifies the nature of this rest: it is not a rest of despair or finality, but a confident repose, permeated by the certain expectation of resurrection. This hope is the divine guarantee that His body would not see corruption, as the subsequent verse (Acts 2:27) and Peter's explanation (Acts 2:31) clarify.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's quotation of [Psalm 16:9](/psalms/16-9 "Psalm 16:9 - David's Hope in God") in Acts 2:26 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, where Peter directly cites the Old Testament text to provide scriptural authority and prophetic fulfillment for his claims about Jesus. This serves as irrefutable evidence for his Jewish audience. The verse also features **Personification**, attributing human emotions and actions to non-human entities: "my heart rejoice" and "my tongue was glad." While the "heart" and "tongue" are parts of a person, the phrasing emphasizes the depth of the inner state and its outward expression. Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a **Prophecy**, as Peter argues that David, being a prophet, spoke not merely of himself but of the coming Messiah. The phrase "my flesh shall rest in hope" contains a powerful **Metaphor** of rest. While literally referring to the body in the grave, "rest in hope" transforms the grave from a place of finality into a temporary lodging, imbued with the expectation of new life, thus foreshadowing the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:26 profoundly connects to the core Christian doctrine of the resurrection, establishing it as the divine vindication of Jesus and the ultimate triumph over death. Peter's exegesis of [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Michtam of David") reveals that God's plan for the Messiah included not only suffering and death but also a glorious resurrection, preventing His body from experiencing corruption. This demonstrates God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign power over all creation, including the grave. The joy expressed in the verse, even in the face of death, underscores Jesus' perfect trust in His Father's will and His unwavering confidence in the divine outcome, providing a foundational model for believers' hope in the face of life's ultimate challenge.

* [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - God's Promise of Resurrection") - The immediate context of the quoted psalm, explicitly stating, "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."
* [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection") - Paul's declaration that Christ is the "firstfruits of them that slept," establishing His resurrection as the guarantee and pattern for the resurrection of all believers.
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit's Power to Give Life") - Highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead, as the same power that will give life to the mortal bodies of believers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:26 offers a profound source of spiritual nourishment, reminding believers that even in the face of life's most daunting challenges—including death itself—there is a foundation for unwavering hope and joy. Jesus' confident repose in the grave, rooted in divine promise, serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate victory and faithfulness. For us, this means that our hope is not a fragile wish but a confident expectation grounded in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection. When we face trials, loss, or the inevitability of our own mortality, we can find solace and strength in the knowledge that our "flesh shall rest in hope," not in despair. This hope transforms our perspective on suffering, enabling us to face adversity with a joy that transcends circumstances, knowing that God is sovereign and His promises are true. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's plan, even when it leads through dark valleys, believing that He will ultimately bring us to glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "heart rejoicing" and "tongue being glad" in the face of death challenge your own reactions to suffering or loss?**
* **What does it mean for your "flesh to rest in hope," and how does this understanding impact your perspective on death and the afterlife?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate a deeper "hope" (confident expectation) in God's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ

**Why is Peter quoting an Old Testament psalm to explain Jesus' resurrection?**

Answer: Peter quotes [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Michtam of David") to provide irrefutable scriptural evidence for Jesus' resurrection, appealing to the Jewish audience's deep reverence for the Old Testament. He argues that King David, the author of the psalm, was a prophet who spoke not merely of himself (since David died and his tomb was still among them, as noted in [Acts 2:29](/acts/2-29 "Acts 2:29 - David's Tomb")) but foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Messiah. This prophetic fulfillment demonstrates that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the Christ, the one foretold in the Scriptures, thereby validating His identity and the truth of His resurrection.

**Does "my flesh shall rest in hope" imply that Jesus' body did not truly die?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. The phrase "my flesh shall rest" confirms the reality of Jesus' physical death and burial. The emphasis is on "in hope," which signifies that His body rested in the grave *with the certain expectation* of resurrection, not with the expectation of decay or permanent dissolution. Peter explicitly states in [Acts 2:31](/acts/2-31 "Acts 2:31 - David Foresaw Christ's Resurrection") that David "spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption." This means Jesus' body did not undergo the normal process of decay that human bodies experience after death, because He was raised before corruption could set in. His death was real, but His time in the grave was temporary and purposeful, leading to His glorious resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth, who perfectly embodies the prophetic words of [Psalm 16:9](/psalms/16-9 "Psalm 16:9 - David's Hope in God"). Peter's sermon unequivocally declares that David, as a prophet, spoke of Christ's resurrection, not his own, as evidenced by David's tomb remaining among them ([Acts 2:29](/acts/2-29 "Acts 2:29 - David's Tomb and Prophecy")). Jesus' heart did indeed rejoice and His tongue was glad, even as He faced the cross and the grave, because He fully trusted in His Father's promise that His "flesh shall rest in hope." This hope was not in vain, for God "raised him up, having loosed the pains of death" ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")). Jesus' resurrection is the historical and theological linchpin, validating His identity as the Son of God ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")) and the firstfruits of those who sleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")). Through His triumph over death, Jesus provides the secure foundation for the believer's own hope of resurrection and eternal life, transforming the grave from a place of despair into a temporary resting place, permeated by the very hope that sustained our Savior.

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 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalms 71:23

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Psalms 30:11

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Psalms 22:22

¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

Psalms 22:24

For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.