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Verse MeaningActsSome background helps

Acts 12:4: Meaning Explained

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep...

Acts 12:4
After seizing him, Herod put him in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each, intending to bring him before the people after the Passover.
What Does This Verse Mean?

Herod captured Peter and put him in prison with many guards - sixteen soldiers in four groups. Herod planned to bring Peter to trial in front of the people after Passover was over.

What’s Happening Here

Peter was locked up with a large guard to prevent him from escaping. Herod wanted to keep him until after the holiday.

Key Words

seizedgrabbed and arrested
squadssmall groups of soldiers

Why It Matters

Even though Peter was locked up with many guards, God still had a plan to rescue him.

Did You Know?

Having four groups of four soldiers meant guards were watching Peter at all times, day and night.

Word Study

G2532
Andκαὶ
G4084
when he had apprehendedπιάσας
G5087
him he putἔθετο
G1519
him inεἰς
G5438
prisonφυλακήν
G3860
and deliveredπαραδοὺς
G5064
him to fourτέσσαρσιν
G5069
quaternionsτετραδίοις
G4757
of soldiersστρατιωτῶν
G5442
to keepφυλάσσειν
G846
himαὐτὸν
G1014
intendingβουλόμενος
G3326
afterμετὰ
G3957
Easterπάσχα
G321
forthἀναγαγεῖν
G2992
to the peopleλαῷ
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