Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. New Living Translation The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. English Standard Version Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. Berean Standard Bible On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. Berean Literal Bible Now hearing these things, they were cut in their hearts, and they were gnashing the teeth at him. King James Bible When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. New King James Version When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. New American Standard Bible Now when they heard this, they were infuriated, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. NASB 1995 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. NASB 1977 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. Legacy Standard Bible Now when they heard this, they became furious in their hearts, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. Amplified Bible Now when they heard this [accusation and understood its implication], they were cut to the heart, and they began grinding their teeth [in rage] at him. Berean Annotated Bible On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged \On hearing these things, they were cut in their hearts/, and they gnashed their teeth at him. Christian Standard Bible When they heard these things, they were enraged and gnashed their teeth at him. Holman Christian Standard Bible When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him. American Standard Version Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. Contemporary English Version When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious. English Revised Version Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. GOD'S WORD® Translation As council members listened to Stephen, they became noticeably furious. Good News Translation As the members of the Council listened to Stephen, they became furious and ground their teeth at him in anger. International Standard Version While they were listening to these things, they became more and more furious and began to grind their teeth at him. NET Bible When they heard these things, they became furious and ground their teeth at him. New Heart English Bible Now when they heard these things, they were furious, and they ground their teeth at him. Webster's Bible Translation When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. Weymouth New Testament As they listened to these words, they became infuriated and gnashed their teeth at him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. World English Bible Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd hearing these things, they were cut to the hearts, and gnashed the teeth at him; Berean Literal Bible Now hearing these things, they were cut in their hearts, and they were gnashing the teeth at him. Young's Literal Translation And hearing these things, they were cut to the hearts, and did gnash the teeth at him; Smith's Literal Translation And having heard those, they were sawn through their hearts, and they gnashed the teeth upon him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, upon hearing these things, they were deeply wounded in their hearts, and they gnashed their teeth at him. New American Bible When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. New Revised Standard Version When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen they heard these things, they were enraged, and gnashed their teeth at him. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And when they heard these things, they were filled with rage in their souls and they were gnashing on him with their teeth. NT Translations Anderson New Testament"When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts, and gnashed upon him with their teeth. Godbey New Testament And hearing these words, they were cut through their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him. Haweis New Testament Now when they heard these things, they were cut through their hearts as with a saw, and gnashed upon him with their teeth. Mace New Testament When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. Weymouth New Testament As they listened to these words, they became infuriated and gnashed their teeth at him. Worrell New Testament Now, while hearing these things, they were being cut to their hearts, and were gnashing their teeth over him. Worsley New Testament And when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Stoning of Stephen53you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.” 54 On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.… Cross References On hearing this, Acts 5:33 When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. Luke 4:28 On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. Acts 22:22 The crowd listened to Paul until he made this statement. Then they lifted up their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!” the members of the Sanhedrin Acts 6:12 So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, Acts 5:27 They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. Acts 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. were enraged, Acts 19:28 When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Luke 6:11 But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. and they gnashed their teeth at him. Psalm 35:16 Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me. Psalm 37:12 The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, Lamentations 2:16 All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!” Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Matthew 21:45-46 When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. / Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet. John 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area. John 10:31-33 At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. / But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” / “We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, make Yourself out to be God.” Treasury of Scripture When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. they were. Acts 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Acts 22:22,23 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live… they gnashed. Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. Psalm 35:16 With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. Psalm 112:10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. Jump to Previous Cut Enraged Furious Gnash Gnashed Gnashing Ground Heard Hearing Heart Hearts Infuriated Moved Quick Teeth Words WrathJump to Next Cut Enraged Furious Gnash Gnashed Gnashing Ground Heard Hearing Heart Hearts Infuriated Moved Quick Teeth Words WrathActs 7 1. Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy,2. shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers, 20. before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built; 37. that Moses himself witnessed of Christ; 44. and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time; 51. reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold. 54. Whereupon they stone Stephen to death, 59. who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them. On hearing this This phrase refers to the reaction of the Sanhedrin to Stephen's speech. Stephen had just delivered a powerful sermon recounting Israel's history and accusing the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, similar to their ancestors. His words were a direct challenge to their authority and spiritual condition, echoing the prophetic tradition of calling Israel to repentance. the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged and they gnashed their teeth at him Persons / Places / Events 1. StephenA deacon in the early church, known for his wisdom and filled with the Holy Spirit. He is the first Christian martyr. 2. Sanhedrin The Jewish ruling council, composed of religious leaders who held significant authority in Jewish society. 3. The Event Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Israel's history and accuses the leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, leading to their anger. Teaching Points The Cost of TruthStephen's boldness in speaking the truth, even at the cost of his life, challenges us to consider our own willingness to stand for truth in the face of opposition. Resistance to the Holy Spirit The Sanhedrin's reaction exemplifies a hardened heart that resists the Holy Spirit. We must examine our own hearts for areas where we might be resisting God's work. Righteous Anger vs. Sinful Anger The Sanhedrin's anger was rooted in pride and self-preservation. We should differentiate between righteous anger, which seeks justice, and sinful anger, which seeks to harm. The Role of the Holy Spirit Stephen's ability to speak with wisdom and courage was empowered by the Holy Spirit. We should rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in our own lives. Perseverance in Persecution Stephen's example encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when facing persecution or misunderstanding. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 7:54?2. How can we respond like Stephen when faced with hostility for our faith? 3. What does Stephen's reaction teach about maintaining peace under persecution? 4. How does Acts 7:54 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies? 5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in Stephen's boldness in Acts 7? 6. How can we prepare spiritually for opposition like Stephen in Acts 7:54? 7. Why did the Sanhedrin react with such anger in Acts 7:54? 8. What does Acts 7:54 reveal about human resistance to divine truth? 9. How does Acts 7:54 illustrate the conflict between early Christians and Jewish authorities? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 7? 11. Why do Christian martyrs of the early church not appear in Roman records until much later? 12. Why was Stephen stoned according to the Bible? 13. How does the dramatic rescue in Daniel 3 align with other biblical narratives where faithful individuals still suffer or are not saved miraculously? 14. How does the confident expectation in Psalm 64:9 align with the countless instances of righteous people suffering without apparent deliverance? What Does Acts 7:54 Mean On hearing thisStephen has just delivered a Spirit-filled history lesson (Acts 7:2-50) and a piercing rebuke: “You stiff-necked people… you always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51-53). • Their ears take in plain truth—truth that exposes their sin, just as Peter’s sermon did in Acts 2. • The difference? At Pentecost the crowd was “cut to the heart” and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Here, the council hardens. • Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When the sword of truth cuts, we either repent or rebel. the members of the Sanhedrin This is Israel’s highest religious court, the same body that condemned Jesus (Matthew 26:57-66) and had already threatened and flogged the apostles (Acts 4:5-21; 5:40). • Composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes—men who knew the Scriptures backward and forward. • Their privileged position should have made them guardians of truth, yet they repeatedly silence it when it challenges their power. • John 12:42-43 hints that some leaders believed secretly but loved “the glory of men more than the glory of God.” were enraged The renders it “they were enraged,” literally “sawn through” in their hearts, similar to Acts 5:33. • God’s conviction is unmistakable, but instead of surrendering, they choose fury. • James 1:20 cautions that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” • Proverbs 29:1 warns that those who stiffen their necks after many rebukes will be “suddenly broken—without remedy.” Their rage is one more step toward that tragic end. and they gnashed their teeth at him A vivid image of violent hostility. • In Scripture, gnashing of teeth often signals hatred or judgment (Job 16:9; Psalm 35:16; Psalm 112:10). • Jesus uses the phrase for final condemnation: “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12; Luke 13:28). • Their physical reaction mirrors their spiritual state—grinding fury toward the messenger because they cannot refute the message. summary Acts 7:54 captures the council’s heart in a single verse: confronted by undeniable, Spirit-delivered truth, these leaders choose rage over repentance. Scripture presents the scene not as hyperbole but as historical fact, reminding us that when God’s Word exposes our sin, our response reveals our allegiance—humble faith or hardened resistance. (54) They were cut to the heart.--Literally, were sawn through and through. (See Note on Acts 5:33.) The word describes a keener pang than the "pricked" of Acts 2:37, producing, not repentance, but the frenzy of furious anger.They gnashed on him with their teeth.--The passage is worth noting as the only example of the literal use of a phrase with which we are so familiar in its figurative application (Matthew 8:12; Matthew 13:42, et al.). Here it clearly expresses brute passion rather than despair. At this point rage and fury--the fury caused by the consciousness that the stern words are true--had become altogether beyond control. They had passed beyond articulate speech into the inarticulate utterances of animal ferocity. Verse 54. - Now when for when, A.V. They were cut to the heart (see Acts 5:33 and notes).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek On hearingἈκούοντες (Akouontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. this, ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. [the members of the Sanhedrin] were enraged, διεπρίοντο (dieprionto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1282: From dia and the base of prizo; to saw asunder, i.e. to exasperate. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. they gnashed ἔβρυχον (ebrychon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1031: To grind or gnash, as with the teeth for rage or pain. A primary verb; to grate the teeth. [their] τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. teeth ὀδόντας (odontas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3599: A tooth. Perhaps from the base of esthio; a 'tooth'. at ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. him. αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Links Acts 7:54 NIVActs 7:54 NLT Acts 7:54 ESV Acts 7:54 NASB Acts 7:54 KJV Acts 7:54 BibleApps.com Acts 7:54 Biblia Paralela Acts 7:54 Chinese Bible Acts 7:54 French Bible Acts 7:54 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 7:54 Now when they heard these things they (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
    |