Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ New Living Translation “But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’ English Standard Version But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ Berean Standard Bible But the voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ Berean Literal Bible But for a second time the voice answered out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you do not call common.’ King James Bible But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. New King James Version But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ New American Standard Bible But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’ NASB 1995 “But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’ NASB 1977 “But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’ Legacy Standard Bible But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider defiled.’ Amplified Bible But the voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, no longer consider common (unholy).’ Berean Annotated Bible But the voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God {Theos} has made clean. Christian Standard Bible But a voice answered from heaven a second time, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call impure.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible But a voice answered from heaven a second time, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call common.’” American Standard Version But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. Contemporary English Version The voice from heaven spoke to me again, "When God says that something can be used for food, don't say it isn't fit to eat." English Revised Version But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. GOD'S WORD® Translation "A voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Don't say that the things which God has made clean are impure.' Good News Translation The voice spoke again from heaven, 'Do not consider anything unclean that God has declared clean.' International Standard Version Then the voice from heaven answered a second time, 'You must stop calling common what God has made clean!' NET Bible But the voice replied a second time from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not consider ritually unclean!' New Heart English Bible But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, 'What God has cleansed, do not call unclean.' Webster's Bible Translation But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Weymouth New Testament "But a voice answered, speaking a second time from the sky, "'What God has purified, you must not regard as unholy.' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the voice spoke to me from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ World English Bible But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand a voice answered me a second time out of Heaven, What God cleansed, you do not declare common. Berean Literal Bible But for a second time the voice answered out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you do not call common.’ Young's Literal Translation and a voice did answer me a second time out of the heaven, What God did cleanse, thou -- declare not thou common. Smith's Literal Translation And a voice answered me of a second time from heaven, What God cleansed, profane not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the voice answered again from heaven: What God hath made clean, do not thou call common. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the voice responded a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you shall not call common.’ New American Bible But a second time a voice from heaven answered, ‘What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.’ New Revised Standard Version But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut again the voice from heaven said to me, What God has cleansed, do not call unclean. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And again a voice said to me from Heaven: 'Whatever God has purified, you shall not make defiled.' NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut the voice answered me a second time from heaven, What God has cleansed, you must not call common. Godbey New Testament And a voice a second time was heard from heaven, Haweis New Testament But the voice replied the second time from heaven, What God hath cleansed, call not thou common. Mace New Testament but the voice from heaven address'd it self to me again, and said, don't call that impure, which God has purified. Weymouth New Testament "But a voice answered, speaking a second time from the sky, "'What God has purified, you must not regard as unholy.' Worrell New Testament But a voice answered a second time out of the heaven, Worsley New Testament And the voice answered me a second time from heaven, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Peter's Report at Jerusalem…8‘No, Lord,’ I said, ‘for nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9But the voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘ Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ 10This happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into heaven.… Cross References But the voice spoke from heaven a second time, Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” 2 Peter 1:17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” ‘Do not call anything impure Mark 7:19 because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.) Romans 14:14 I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. that God has made clean.’ Acts 15:9 He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith. Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 1 Corinthians 6:11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Acts 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Mark 7:18-19 “Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, / because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.) Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” 1 Timothy 4:4-5 For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Genesis 9:3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. Leviticus 11:1-47 The LORD spoke again to Moses and Aaron, telling them, / “Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: / You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. … Deuteronomy 14:3-21 You must not eat any detestable thing. / These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, / the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. … Treasury of Scripture But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God has cleansed, that call not you common. What. Acts 10:28,34,35 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean… Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 1 Timothy 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Jump to Previous Clean Cleanse Cleansed Common Consider Declare Heaven Impure Longer Purified Regard Second Sky Speaking Time Unclean Unholy Voice WhatJump to Next Clean Cleanse Cleansed Common Consider Declare Heaven Impure Longer Purified Regard Second Sky Speaking Time Unclean Unholy Voice WhatActs 11 1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,5. makes his defense; 18. which is accepted. 19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, 22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them. 26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch. 27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine. But the voice spoke from heaven a second time This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing the importance of the message. In biblical narratives, a voice from heaven often signifies God's direct intervention or revelation, as seen in the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:17). The repetition "a second time" underscores the necessity for Peter to understand and accept the message, highlighting the significance of divine patience and insistence. ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe apostle who receives the vision and is the central figure in this passage. He is a key leader in the early church and is known for his role in spreading the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. 2. Voice from Heaven Represents God's direct communication with Peter, emphasizing divine authority and instruction. 3. Vision of the Sheet A pivotal event where Peter sees a sheet filled with various animals, symbolizing the breaking down of Jewish dietary laws and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. 4. Joppa The place where Peter is staying when he receives the vision. It is a coastal city in Judea, significant for its role in the early church's expansion. 5. Cornelius Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Cornelius is a Gentile centurion whose household is the first to receive the Holy Spirit, illustrating the fulfillment of the vision. Teaching Points Divine Authority and RevelationGod's voice from heaven signifies His ultimate authority and the importance of divine revelation in guiding the church's mission. Breaking Down Barriers The vision challenges cultural and religious barriers, urging believers to embrace inclusivity and unity in Christ. Obedience to God's Command Peter's willingness to follow God's instruction, despite his initial hesitation, serves as a model for obedience and faithfulness. Redefining Purity The passage redefines purity from a focus on external rituals to an emphasis on the heart and spiritual cleanliness. Mission to the Gentiles This event marks a significant shift in the early church's mission, highlighting the universal scope of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 11:9?2. How does Acts 11:9 challenge our understanding of God's inclusivity in salvation? 3. What does "God has made clean" teach about God's authority over religious traditions? 4. How can Acts 11:9 inspire us to overcome personal prejudices in ministry? 5. Which Old Testament laws are reinterpreted through the message in Acts 11:9? 6. How can we apply the lesson of Acts 11:9 in our daily interactions? 7. How does Acts 11:9 challenge traditional dietary laws in Christianity? 8. What is the significance of God declaring something clean in Acts 11:9? 9. How does Acts 11:9 relate to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Church? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 11? 11. How do we account for the apparent inconsistency between the strict Jewish dietary laws in Leviticus and the acceptance of all foods in Acts 11:9? 12. Why does Acts record different versions of Paul's conversion story? 13. What does the Bible say about the end times? 14. If Leviticus 11 is God's eternal command, why does Acts 10:9-16 appear to contradict these dietary laws? What Does Acts 11:9 Mean But the voice spoke from heaven a second time• The scene underscores direct, divine intervention. Like the voice that thundered at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17) or called to Saul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:4), God Himself issues clarity beyond human debate. • “A second time” shows patience and emphasis. When God repeats Himself—as in Genesis 41:32 or John 21:15-17—He intends the listener to grasp the gravity of the message. • The heavenly origin rebukes any earthly prejudice Peter still harbors, reminding us that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). ‘Do not call anything impure • Peter had labeled the creatures on the sheet “unclean” (Acts 10:14) based on Leviticus 11. God now overturns that judgment. • Jesus had foreshadowed this shift: “Thus He declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19). The same Lord who set dietary boundaries has authority to lift them. • The principle reaches beyond food to people. Paul later affirms, “I am convinced…that nothing is unclean in itself” (Romans 14:14), urging believers to drop man-made barriers. that God has made clean. • Divine cleansing is decisive; human labels cannot reverse it. Peter will soon witness Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit, their hearts “cleansed by faith” (Acts 15:9). • The gospel proclaims a once-for-all purification: “He saved us…by the washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5). • God’s act of making clean unites Jew and Gentile: “He has made the two one” (Ephesians 2:15). To resist that unity is to oppose God’s finished work. summary Acts 11:9 affirms that when God declares someone or something clean through Christ, no human tradition or prejudice may label it impure. The repeated voice from heaven silences debate, the command forbids ongoing discrimination, and the divine cleansing extends the gospel’s reach to all who believe. Verse 9. - A voice answered the second time out of for the voice answered me again from, A.V. and T.R.; make for call, A.V.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. the voice φωνὴ (phōnē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. spoke Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. heaven οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. a second [time], δευτέρου (deuterou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 1208: Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second. ‘Do not call anything impure κοίνου (koinou) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 2840: To make unclean, pollute, desecrate, mid: I regard (treat) as unclean. From koinos; to make profane. that Ἃ (Ha) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. has made clean.’ ἐκαθάρισεν (ekatharisen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2511: To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse. Links Acts 11:9 NIVActs 11:9 NLT Acts 11:9 ESV Acts 11:9 NASB Acts 11:9 KJV Acts 11:9 BibleApps.com Acts 11:9 Biblia Paralela Acts 11:9 Chinese Bible Acts 11:9 French Bible Acts 11:9 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 11:9 But a voice answered me the second (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |



