Acts 2:23 He was delivered up by God's set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

◄ Acts 2:23 ►

New International Version
This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

New Living Translation
But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.

English Standard Version
this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Berean Standard Bible
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

Berean Literal Bible
Him delivered up by the determinate plan and foreknowledge of God, you put to death, having crucified Him by lawless hands,

King James Bible
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

New King James Version
Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

New American Standard Bible
this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

NASB 1995
this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

NASB 1977
this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of lawless men and put Him to death.

Amplified Bible
this Man, when handed over [to the Roman authorities] according to the predetermined decision and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross and put to death by the hands of lawless and godless men.

Christian Standard Bible
Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Though He was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail Him to a cross and kill Him.

American Standard Version
him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:

Contemporary English Version
God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.

English Revised Version
him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
By using men who don't acknowledge Moses' Teachings, you crucified Jesus, who was given over [to death] by a plan that God had determined in advance.

Good News Translation
In accordance with his own plan God had already decided that Jesus would be handed over to you; and you killed him by letting sinful men crucify him.

International Standard Version
After he was arrested according to the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified this very man and killed him using the hands of lawless men.

Majority Standard Bible
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, took and put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

NET Bible
this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles.

New Heart English Bible
him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

Webster's Bible Translation
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Weymouth New Testament
delivered up through God's settled purpose and foreknowledge--you by the hands of Gentiles have nailed to a cross and have put to death.

World English Bible
him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
this One, by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, being given out, having been taken by lawless hands, having been crucified—you slew,

Berean Literal Bible
Him delivered up by the determinate plan and foreknowledge of God, you put to death, having crucified Him by lawless hands,

Young's Literal Translation
this one, by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, being given out, having taken by lawless hands, having crucified -- ye did slay;

Smith's Literal Translation
This one, surrendered by the fixed counsel and foreknowledge of God, having taken by lawless hands, having fastened, ye slew:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
This same being delivered up, by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you by the hands of wicked men have crucified and slain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This man, under the definitive plan and foreknowledge of God, was delivered by the hands of the unjust, afflicted, and put to death.

New American Bible
This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.

New Revised Standard Version
this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The very one who was chosen for this purpose from the very beginning of knowledge and will of God, you have delivered into the hands of wicked men, and you have crucified and murdered him:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“This one, who was separated to him for this, in the foreknowledge and will of God, you have betrayed into the hands of the wicked, and you have crucified and murdered.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
him, delivered up by the fixed purpose and foreknowledge of God, you took, and with wicked hands did crucify and slay:

Godbey New Testament
Him by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, having been delivered, you having nailed up, slew through the hand of lawless men;

Haweis New Testament
him, by the destined counsel and foreknowledge of God delivered up, ye have seized, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Mace New Testament
him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by means of the wicked, have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up,

Weymouth New Testament
delivered up through God's settled purpose and foreknowledge--you by the hands of Gentiles have nailed to a cross and have put to death.

Worrell New Testament
This Man, delivered up by the settled counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye, having fastened to the cross, through the hand of lawless ones, did slay:

Worsley New Testament
(as ye yourselves also know,) Him being given up by the determinate counsel and fore-knowlege of God ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Peter Preaches to the Crowd
…22Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. 23He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. 24But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 53:10
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.

1 Peter 1:20
He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Luke 22:22
Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”

Matthew 26:24
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Romans 3:25
God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

1 Corinthians 2:7-8
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Psalm 22:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning?

Psalm 118:22-23
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Zechariah 12:10
Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Daniel 9:26
Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.

Treasury of Scripture

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

being.

Acts 3:18
But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Acts 4:28
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Acts 13:27
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

ye have.

Acts 3:13-15
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go…

Acts 4:10,11
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole…

Acts 5:30
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

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Counsel Cross Crucified Crucify Death Definite Delivered Determined Evil Foreknowledge Gentiles Godless God's Hand Handed Hands Help Jesus Killed Lawless Nailed Plan Predetermined Purpose Settled Slain Slay Wicked

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Acts 2

1. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking various languages,
12. are admired by some, and derided by others;
14. whom Peter disproves;
37. he baptizes a great number who were converted;
41. who afterwards devoutly and charitably converse together;
43. the apostles working many miracles,
46. and God daily increasing his church.

Berean Study Bible

He was handed over
This phrase indicates the divine sovereignty and purpose in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. The Greek word "ἐκδοτός" (ekdotos) suggests a deliberate act of delivering or surrendering. In the context of the New Testament, it emphasizes that Jesus' death was not a random act of violence but a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This aligns with the overarching biblical narrative that God is in control, even in situations that seem chaotic or unjust.

by God’s set plan
The Greek term "βουλῇ" (boule) refers to a deliberate and purposeful decision. This underscores the theological concept that God’s plan for salvation was established before the foundation of the world. It reflects the idea that the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were not reactive measures but part of a divine strategy to redeem humanity. This provides believers with assurance that God’s plans are perfect and unchangeable.

and foreknowledge
The word "πρόγνωσις" (prognosis) in Greek conveys the idea of knowing beforehand. In a theological context, it highlights God’s omniscience. God’s foreknowledge is not merely passive awareness but an active, relational knowledge that involves His will and purpose. This reassures Christians that God is never taken by surprise and that His knowledge encompasses all of time and history.

and you
This direct address implicates the audience, making them aware of their role in the crucifixion. It serves as a reminder of human responsibility and the gravity of sin. The use of "you" personalizes the message, calling for introspection and repentance. It is a powerful reminder that while God’s plan is sovereign, human actions and choices are significant and consequential.

by the hands of lawless men
The phrase "ἀνόμων" (anomon) refers to those who act without regard for the law. Historically, this points to the Roman authorities who executed Jesus, as well as the Jewish leaders who conspired against Him. It highlights the injustice of the trial and crucifixion, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah being rejected and suffering at the hands of sinners. This serves as a sobering reminder of the world’s opposition to God’s righteousness.

put Him to death
The Greek verb "ἀνείλετε" (aneilate) is a strong term for killing or executing. It emphasizes the severity and finality of the act. This phrase confronts the reality of Jesus’ sacrificial death, which is central to Christian faith. It underscores the gravity of sin and the extent of God’s love, as Jesus willingly endured death to atone for humanity’s sins.

by nailing Him to the cross
The act of crucifixion, "προσπήξαντες" (prospeixantes), was a brutal and humiliating form of Roman execution. It was reserved for the worst criminals and symbolized utter disgrace. For early Christians, the cross became a symbol of victory and redemption, transforming an instrument of death into a sign of hope and salvation. This paradox is at the heart of the Gospel, illustrating how God can bring life from death and triumph from tragedy.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(23) By the determinate counsel and fore knowledge of God.--The adjective meets us again in St. Peter's speech in Acts 10:42; the word for "foreknowledge in his Epistle (1Peter 1:2), and there only in the New Testament. The coincidence is not without its force as bearing on the genuineness both of the speech and of the letter. It has now become the habit of the Apostle's mind to trace the working of a divine purpose, which men, even when they are most bent on thwarting it, are unconsciously fulfilling. In Acts 1:16, he had seen that purpose in the treachery of Judas; he sees it now in the malignant injustice of priests and people.

Ye have taken. . . .--Better, ye took, and by lawless hands crucified and slew. Stress is laid on the priests having used the hands of one who was "without law" (1Corinthians 9:21), a heathen ruler, to inflict the doom which they dared not inflict themselves.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 23. - Delivered up for delivered, A.V.; by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay for have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain, A.V. and T.R. The determinate counsel. God's counsel, that Christ should suffer for sins, was not a vague, indistinct purpose, leaving much to accident and the fluctuating will of man; it was determinate and defined in respect of time and manner and the instruments used for carrying it out. Foreknowledge is coupled with counsel or will, perhaps in order to show us that the counsel or will of God, as far as it comprehends the action of free agents, is indissolubly connected with his foreknowledge, and does not involve any force put upon the will of man. (Compare, with Chrysostom, the saying of Joseph to his brethren, "Be not angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5); also Judges 14:4; 1 Kings 12:15, etc. Delivered up (ἔκδοτον, only found here) is by many understood of the action of Judas in betraying Jesus into the hands of his enemies (John 19:11) - ἔκδοτον being taken as equivalent to what πρόδοτον would mean if it were in use. But it may with equal propriety be applied to the action of the chief priests and elders in delivering Jesus to Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:2)to be crucified (Matthew 27:26). Our Lord himself alludes to Pilate's power as circumscribed by the will of God (John 19:11, ὁ παραδιδούς μέ σοι: comp. Matthew 26:45). By the hand of lawless men. "By the hand of" is the common Hebrew phrase בְיַר, by means of, through the agency cf. The Jewish nation (ἄνδρες Ἰουδαῖοι) had crucified the Lord of glory by the hand of the heathen Romans. Lawless, equivalent to the sinners of Matthew 26:45 (comp., for the special application of the term to the heathen, Galatians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 9:21).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

He
τοῦτον (touton)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

was handed over
ἔκδοτον (ekdoton)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1560: Given up, delivered up. From ek and a derivative of didomi; given out or over, i.e. Surrendered.

by
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

set
ὡρισμένῃ (hōrismenē)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3724: From horion; to mark out or bound, i.e. to appoint, decree, specify.

plan
βουλῇ (boulē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1012: Counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree. From boulomai; volition, i.e. advice, or purpose.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

foreknowledge,
προγνώσει (prognōsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4268: Foreknowledge, previous determination. From proginosko; forethought.

{and you}, by
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the hands
χειρὸς (cheiros)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

of the lawless,
ἀνόμων (anomōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 459: Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked.

put [Him] to death
ἀνείλατε (aneilate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 337: From ana and haireomai; to take up, i.e. Adopt; by implication, to take away, i.e. Abolish, murder.

by nailing [Him] to the cross.
προσπήξαντες (prospēxantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4362: To fasten to, applied to Christ's being fastened to the cross. From pros and pegnumi; to fasten to, i.e., to impale.

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NT Apostles: Acts 2:23 Him being delivered up by the determined (Acts of the Apostles Ac)