Acts 12:14
New International Version
When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

New Living Translation
When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”

English Standard Version
Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.

Berean Standard Bible
When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!”

Berean Literal Bible
And having recognized Peter's voice, from joy she did not open the gate, but having run in, she reported Peter to be standing before the gate.

King James Bible
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

New King James Version
When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.

New American Standard Bible
When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

NASB 1995
When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

NASB 1977
And when she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate. But she ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

Amplified Bible
Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gateway.

Christian Standard Bible
She recognized Peter’s voice, and because of her joy, she did not open the gate but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the outer gate.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She recognized Peter’s voice, and because of her joy, she did not open the gate but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gateway.”

American Standard Version
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.

Contemporary English Version
When she heard Peter's voice, she was too excited to open the gate. She ran back into the house and said Peter was standing there.

English Revised Version
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so happy that instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and reported, "Peter is standing at the door!"

Good News Translation
She recognized Peter's voice and was so happy that she ran back in without opening the door, and announced that Peter was standing outside.

International Standard Version
On recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that she didn't open the gate but ran back inside and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.

Majority Standard Bible
When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!”

NET Bible
When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she did not open the gate, but ran back in and told them that Peter was standing at the gate.

New Heart English Bible
When she recognized Peter's voice, she did not open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate

Weymouth New Testament
and recognizing Peter's voice, for very joy she did not open the door, but ran in and told them that Peter was standing there.

World English Bible
When she recognized Peter’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having known the voice of Peter, from the joy she did not open the porch, but having run in, told of the standing of Peter before the porch,

Berean Literal Bible
And having recognized Peter's voice, from joy she did not open the gate, but having run in, she reported Peter to be standing before the gate.

Young's Literal Translation
and having known the voice of Peter, from the joy she did not open the porch, but having run in, told of the standing of Peter before the porch,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having known Peter's voice, from joy she opened not the gate, and running, announced Peter to stand before the gate.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as soon as she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but running in she told that Peter stood before the gate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when she recognized the voice of Peter, out of joy, she did not open the gate, but instead, running in, she reported that Peter stood before the gate.

New American Bible
She was so overjoyed when she recognized Peter’s voice that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.

New Revised Standard Version
On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when she recognized Simon’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the door to him, but ran back and told, Behold Simon Peter stands at the gate of the courtyard.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
She recognized the voice of Shimeon and in her joy she did not open the door to him, as she went back running and saying to them, “Shimeon, behold, is standing at the door of the courtyard!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And recognizing Peter's voice, she did not open the entrance for joy, but ran in and told that Peter was standing before the entrance.

Godbey New Testament
and recognizing the voice of Peter, from joy did not open the gate, but running in, she proclaimed that Peter stands before the gate.

Haweis New Testament
And well knowing Peter’s voice, she opened not the door for joy; but running in, told that Peter was standing before the door.

Mace New Testament
upon hearing Peter tell his name, instead of opening the gate, she ran, out of joy, to tell them, that Peter was there.

Weymouth New Testament
and recognizing Peter's voice, for very joy she did not open the door, but ran in and told them that Peter was standing there.

Worrell New Testament
And, recognizing the voice of Peter, she opened not the gate for joy; but, running in, she told them that Peter was standing before the gate.

Worsley New Testament
And knowing Peter's voice, through excess of joy she did not open the door, but ran in and told them, that Peter was standing at the door.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rescue of Peter
13He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!” 15“You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”…

Cross References
Matthew 28:8
So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

John 20:14-16
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not recognize that it was Jesus. / “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” / Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Luke 24:41
While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

John 20:20
After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Luke 24:11
But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.

Mark 16:8
So the women left the tomb and ran away, trembling and bewildered. And in their fear they did not say a word to anyone.

Luke 24:22-23
Furthermore, some of our women astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, / but they did not find His body. They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive.

John 20:3-4
Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. / The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Luke 24:9-10
And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. / It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.

John 20:18
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.

Genesis 45:26
“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

1 Samuel 14:26-27
And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. / Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

2 Kings 4:29-31
So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.” / And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her. / Gehazi went on ahead of them and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So he went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.”

2 Kings 7:9-11
Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.” / So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” / The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported to the king’s household.

Psalm 126:1-2
A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. / Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”


Treasury of Scripture

And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

she opened.

Matthew 28:8
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Luke 24:41
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

Jump to Previous
Announced Door Exclaimed Front Gate Gladness Hearing Joy Open Opened Opening Outside Overjoyed Peter Peter's Porch Ran Recognised Recognized Recognizing Reported Run Running Standing Stood Voice
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Announced Door Exclaimed Front Gate Gladness Hearing Joy Open Opened Opening Outside Overjoyed Peter Peter's Porch Ran Recognised Recognized Recognizing Reported Run Running Standing Stood Voice
Acts 12
1. King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter;
6. whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.
20. Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God,
23. is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.
24. After his death, the word of God prospers.
25. Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.














When she recognized Peter’s voice
The Greek word for "recognized" is "epiginōskō," which implies a deep, personal knowledge or recognition. This suggests that the servant girl, Rhoda, had a close familiarity with Peter, likely due to his frequent visits and leadership within the early Christian community. This recognition is not just auditory but also spiritual, as Peter's voice would have been a source of comfort and authority. In a broader sense, this moment reflects the intimate relationships within the early Church, where leaders were not distant figures but integral parts of the community.

she was so overjoyed
The term "overjoyed" comes from the Greek "chara," meaning joy or gladness. This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound, spiritual elation. In the context of Acts 12, Peter's miraculous escape from prison is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, and Rhoda's joy is a natural response to witnessing God's intervention. This joy is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often associated with the presence and work of the Holy Spirit among believers.

that she forgot to open the gate
The phrase highlights a moment of human forgetfulness, which serves to emphasize the authenticity of the narrative. Rhoda's reaction is so genuine and spontaneous that it leads to a humorous yet poignant situation. This detail underscores the reality of human emotions and the sometimes chaotic nature of life, even amidst divine intervention. It also serves as a reminder that God's work often transcends human logic and order.

but ran inside and announced
The action of running and announcing indicates urgency and excitement. The Greek word "apaggellō" for "announced" suggests a formal declaration or report. Rhoda's immediate response to share the news reflects the communal nature of the early Church, where news of God's work was eagerly shared and celebrated. This action also highlights the role of women in the early Christian community as active participants and messengers of the Gospel.

Peter is standing at the gate!
This declaration is both a statement of fact and a proclamation of a miracle. The gate, often a place of entry and transition, symbolizes the threshold between captivity and freedom, despair and hope. Peter's presence at the gate is a powerful testament to God's deliverance and the fulfillment of the Church's prayers. In a broader theological context, this moment foreshadows the opening of spiritual gates, as the Gospel message begins to spread beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

(14) She opened not the gate for gladness.--The slave, it would seem, had shared the anxiety and borne her part in the prayers of the Church; and the eager desire to tell the good news that their prayers had been answered overpowers her presence of mind. There is something characteristic of the writer in this analysis of a state of consciousness. (See Note on Acts 12:9, and Luke 24:14.)

Verse 14. - Joy for gladness, A.V.; that for how, A.V. When she knew Peter's voice. This evidence of Peter's intimacy with the family of Mary is in remarkable agreement with 1 Peter 5:13, "Greet Marcus my son."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When she recognized
ἐπιγνοῦσα (epignousa)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1921: From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.

Peter’s
Πέτρου (Petrou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

voice,
φωνὴν (phōnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.

she was so overjoyed
χαρᾶς (charas)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

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

she forgot to open
ἤνοιξεν (ēnoixen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gate,
πυλῶνα (pylōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4440: From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

ran inside
εἰσδραμοῦσα (eisdramousa)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1532: To run in, run into. From eis and trecho; to hasten inward.

[and] announced,
ἀπήγγειλεν (apēngeilen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.

“Peter
Πέτρον (Petron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

is standing
ἑστάναι (hestanai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

at
πρὸ (pro)
Preposition
Strong's 4253: A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gate!”
πυλῶνος (pylōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4440: From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.


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