Acts 2:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G3754} thou wilt {G1459} not {G3756} leave {G1459} my {G3450} soul {G5590} in {G1519} hell {G86}, neither {G3761} wilt thou suffer {G1325} thine {G4675} Holy One {G3741} to see {G1492} corruption {G1312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that you will not abandon me to Sh’ol
or let your Holy One see decay.

Berean Standard Bible

because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.

American Standard Version

Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:27, a direct quotation from [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of the Holy One"), forms the theological bedrock of Peter's Pentecost sermon, serving as irrefutable prophetic proof for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This pivotal verse declares God's unwavering commitment to His "Holy One," ensuring that Jesus' soul would not be abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor would His body experience the natural process of physical decay in the grave, thereby demonstrating His unique victory over death and His divine Messiahship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:27 is embedded within Peter's inaugural sermon on the Day of Pentecost, delivered to a diverse Jewish audience in Jerusalem following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter's primary objective is to explain the extraordinary phenomena (speaking in tongues, divine manifestation) by demonstrating that Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, is the resurrected and exalted Messiah. He meticulously builds his argument by appealing to Old Testament prophecies, particularly those of Joel and David. This verse, quoting [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of the Holy One"), is crucial to his case, directly addressing the impossibility of death holding Jesus captive. It follows Peter's declaration in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus") that God raised Jesus, having loosed the pangs of death, and precedes his explicit interpretation in [Acts 2:31](/acts/2-31 "Acts 2:31 - Peter's Explanation of David's Prophecy") that David "foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ." The verse thus serves as a cornerstone of the apostolic kerygma, proving Jesus' divine identity and the truth of His resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, which drew devout Jews from across the Roman world (Acts 2:5). This diverse audience would have been steeped in the Hebrew Scriptures, making Peter's appeal to [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Michtam of David") highly effective. The Jewish understanding of "hell" (Hebrew: Sheol; Greek: Hades) was generally the realm of the dead, a shadowy existence for all souls, not necessarily a place of eternal punishment (which was more associated with Gehenna). The concept of physical decay (corruption) was a natural and expected consequence of death, signifying the finality of human mortality. For Peter to assert that God's "Holy One" would not "see corruption" was a radical claim, directly challenging the universal human experience of death and decomposition. This claim, rooted in a beloved Psalm of David, would have resonated deeply, forcing the audience to grapple with the unprecedented nature of Jesus' death and resurrection.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Foremost is the **Resurrection of Jesus Christ**, which is presented not merely as a historical event but as the central, divinely ordained act proving Jesus' Messiahship and the power of God over death. The verse directly asserts that God would not allow His "Holy One" to remain in the grave or experience physical decay, making the resurrection the cornerstone of the Christian faith, as profoundly articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel's Core"). Another critical theme is **Prophecy Fulfilled**, as Peter masterfully demonstrates that David, in [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Prophecy of the Messiah"), was not speaking of his own fate (as he died and his body corrupted), but prophetically of the Messiah. This fulfillment underscores Jesus' divine identity and mission, confirming Him as the long-awaited Christ, a point Peter explicitly reiterates in [Acts 2:31](/acts/2-31 "Acts 2:31 - Peter's Interpretation of David's Prophecy"). Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Preservation and Victory Over Death**, illustrating God's ultimate power to intervene in the natural order and triumph over the forces of mortality and decay through His Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **leave (Greek, _enkataleípō'_):** From ἐν (in) and καταλείπω (to leave behind), this word means "to leave behind in some place," implying either letting something remain or, in a negative sense, "to desert" or "forsake." In Acts 2:27, the negative construction "wilt not leave" emphasizes God's active decision *not* to abandon Jesus' soul in Hades, signifying a divine intervention that prevents permanent separation from life or the body. This highlights God's purposeful action in bringing Jesus back from the realm of the dead.
* **soul (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** This term refers to the "breath," and by implication, "spirit," "mind," or "life principle." In this context, it denotes the vital, sentient principle of Jesus' being that temporarily departed His body at death and entered Hades. The promise is that this "soul" would not be left there, underscoring the completeness of Jesus' resurrection, involving both His spirit and His body.
* **hell (Greek, _háidēs'_):** Derived from A (negative particle) and εἴδω (to see), meaning "unseen," this word refers to "Hades" or the place/state of departed souls, commonly understood as the grave or the underworld. It is the realm where the dead reside. The prophecy ensures that Jesus' soul would not remain permanently in this unseen realm, but would be brought back to life and reunited with His body.
* **Holy One (Greek, _hósios'_):** This term describes someone who is "right by intrinsic or divine character," implying hallowed, pious, or sacred. It distinguishes from other words for "holy" by emphasizing inherent moral purity and devotion to God. Applied to Jesus, it underscores His unique sinlessness and perfect consecration, making Him uniquely qualified for divine preservation from decay.
* **corruption (Greek, _diaphthorá'_):** From διαφθείρω (to corrupt, destroy), this noun specifically means "decay," "decomposition," or "putrefaction." The prophecy states that God would not allow Jesus' body to undergo the natural process of physical rotting in the grave, providing undeniable proof of a rapid, complete, and supernatural resurrection before the onset of biological decay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell":** This clause directly quotes [Psalm 16:10a](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy"). It asserts God's divine promise and action: He will not abandon the "soul" (the vital essence or spirit) of His "Holy One" to Hades, the realm of the dead. This signifies that Jesus' death was not a final, permanent state, and His spirit would not remain in the underworld. It speaks to a temporary separation of soul and body, with the divine guarantee of reunion and restoration to life.
* **"neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption":** This second clause, quoting [Psalm 16:10b](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy"), reinforces and expands upon the first. "Suffer" here means to permit or allow. The "Holy One" (Jesus, uniquely pure and consecrated to God) would not "see" (experience or undergo) "corruption" (physical decay or decomposition). This is a crucial detail, indicating that Jesus' body was raised before the natural process of putrefaction could begin, providing irrefutable physical evidence of His victory over death and the grave.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:27 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Allusion** and **Quotation**, as Peter directly quotes [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of the Holy One"). This act of quoting an authoritative Old Testament text lends immense weight and divine authority to Peter's argument, demonstrating that Jesus' resurrection was not a random event but the fulfillment of ancient **Prophecy**. The verse also utilizes **Negative Parallelism**, where two negative statements ("wilt not leave" and "neither wilt thou suffer") are used to emphasize a positive outcome – God's active preservation of His Holy One from both abandonment in Hades and physical decay. This rhetorical structure powerfully underscores the certainty of the resurrection. Furthermore, there is a subtle element of **Personification** in "suffer thine Holy One to see corruption," as "corruption" is treated as something that can be "seen" or experienced, emphasizing its tangible and feared reality, which Jesus miraculously avoided.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:27 is a theological linchpin, connecting the Old Testament prophetic tradition directly to the New Testament reality of Jesus' resurrection. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by human sin or the grave. The verse establishes the resurrection as the ultimate validation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, proving His unique status as the "Holy One" whom death could not hold. This divine act of preservation is not merely a historical event but the foundation for the believer's hope, guaranteeing that just as Christ triumphed over death and decay, so too will those who are in Him share in His eternal life and future resurrection. It assures us that death, for the believer, is not a final state of abandonment or decay, but a passage to eternal life through Christ's victory.

* [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of the Holy One") - The original prophetic utterance quoted by Peter, foretelling the Messiah's preservation from Hades and corruption.
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel") - Paul's summary of the gospel, emphasizing Christ's death for sins and His resurrection according to the Scriptures.
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus") - Explains that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:27 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for Christian faith. The truth that God would not allow His Holy One to remain in the grave or experience decay is not just a historical fact about Jesus; it is a powerful declaration of God's victory over the ultimate enemy, death. For believers, this means that death is not the end, nor does it have the final word. Our hope is anchored in a resurrected Savior who has conquered the grave, ensuring that those who believe in Him will also experience resurrection and eternal life. This verse calls us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our earthly struggles and even our physical mortality are temporary. It encourages us to place our full trust in God's faithfulness to His promises, just as He was faithful to His "Holy One." The resurrection of Jesus empowers us to face life's challenges, knowing that divine power is at work, capable of bringing life out of death, hope out of despair, and triumph out of apparent defeat. It compels us to share this life-giving truth with a world that often fears death and lacks the hope of eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that Jesus did not "see corruption" strengthen your faith in His unique identity and divine power?**
* **In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus, as prophesied and fulfilled, provide you with hope and comfort in the face of death or loss?**
* **How might understanding God's commitment to His "Holy One" (Jesus) encourage your trust in His promises for your own life and future?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "hell" (Hades) in Acts 2:27, and how does it relate to Jesus' experience?**

Answer: In Acts 2:27, "hell" translates the Greek word _Hades_ (G86), which refers to the realm of the dead, the grave, or the underworld where souls were believed to go after death. It is distinct from _Gehenna_, which denotes the place of eternal punishment. For Jesus, the prophecy in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of the Holy One"), quoted by Peter, means that His soul was not permanently abandoned or left to languish in this realm of the dead. Rather, it implies a temporary sojourn, from which God would raise Him. This highlights the completeness of Jesus' death (His soul departed) and the completeness of His resurrection (His soul was not left there, but reunited with His body). It signifies that even in death, Jesus remained under God's sovereign care and was not subject to the ultimate dominion of the grave.

**How does Peter's use of Psalm 16:10 in Acts 2:27 prove Jesus' resurrection to his audience?**

Answer: Peter's argument is brilliant and compelling. He first establishes that David, the author of [Psalm 16](/psalms/16 "Psalm 16 - A Prophecy of the Messiah"), himself died and was buried, and his tomb was still among them, meaning David *did* "see corruption" (Acts 2:29). Therefore, Peter argues, David could not have been speaking of himself when he prophesied that God's "Holy One" would not be left in Hades or see corruption. Instead, David, being a prophet, "foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ" ([Acts 2:31](/acts/2-31 "Acts 2:31 - Peter's Explanation of David's Prophecy")). Since Jesus of Nazareth was the only one who died and was resurrected without His body experiencing decay, Peter concludes that Jesus is the "Holy One" to whom [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of the Holy One") refers. This fulfillment of ancient prophecy in Jesus' unique resurrection served as irrefutable evidence of His Messiahship and divine nature to the Jewish audience in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:27 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate "Holy One" of God, uniquely preserved from the dominion of death and the ravages of decay. This prophecy, spoken by David, finds its perfect and exclusive realization in Jesus Christ, whose sinless life and obedient death qualified Him to be the one whom God would not abandon to Hades or allow to see corruption. His resurrection, therefore, is not merely a historical event but the pivotal act in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His power over sin and death. As the "firstfruits" from the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), Jesus' victory over the grave ensures the future resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him. His triumph means that death no longer has dominion over Him ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Death No Longer Has Dominion")) and, by extension, no longer holds ultimate power over His followers. Jesus, through His resurrection, has "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, Acts 2:27 points directly to Christ as the living hope, the conqueror of death, and the guarantor of eternal life for His people.

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 2:31

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

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 20:13

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

John 11:39

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been [dead] four days.

Psalms 86:13

For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?