Acts 2:30

But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Peter addresses the Pentecost crowd in Jerusalem, having just established David's death and burial (v. 29) to force the question of who now sits on the throne.

The words — ὅρκῳ (horkō), "by oath," carries the verse: it is the legal-ritual term for a sworn, binding commitment, not a casual promise.

The thread — Peter is quoting Psalms 132:11, where the LORD swears to David that a descendant will sit on his throne; the same covenant language appears in Psalms 89:3 and Jeremiah 33:14.

Why it lands — The argument is syllogistic: David is dead, the oath is irrevocable, therefore the throne-holder must be the risen one standing before them. It asks the reader to see the resurrection as covenant-fulfillment, not an isolated miracle.

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

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Cross-references

Psalms 132:11 The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne.
Psalms 89:3 You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant:
Jeremiah 33:14 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the gracious promise that I have spoken to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
2 Samuel 7:11 and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you.
2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Luke 1:31 Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.
2 Peter 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:3 regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,