Acts 1:20

“For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The speaker addresses the assembled believers in Jerusalem immediately after the Field of Blood is identified, as they prepare to replace Judas. The words — gegraptai (It has been written) and epaulis (homestead) anchor the declaration in prior Scripture and the concrete reality of an abandoned dwelling. The thread — The quoted curses run directly through Psalms 69:25 and Psalms 109:8, which supply the exact phrases regarding deserted places and replaced positions. Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that Scripture dictates the community's structural decisions, specifically that leadership vacancies demand immediate, text-guided replacement.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Cross-references

Psalms 69:25 May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
Psalms 109:8 May his days be few; may another take his position.
Acts 1:25 to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.”
Luke 24:44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
Luke 20:42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand
Acts 13:33 He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’
Zechariah 5:3 Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.