Bible Strands
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?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses the Jerusalem crowd immediately after declaring that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ. The listeners respond directly to him and the other apostles present.
The words — κατενύγησαν (katenugēsan) translates literally as "they were pierced" or "cut to the heart." Ἀκούσαντες (Akousantes) indicates the immediate causal trigger, meaning "having heard."
The thread — This structural pattern of a convicted audience asking "what shall we do?" recurs when crowds question John the Baptist in Luke 3:10 and when Saul asks the Lord in Acts 22:10.
Why it lands — The text records a direct response to proclaimed truth before any prescription follows. It requires the reader to recognize that genuine inquiry into action must follow a clear hearing of the message.
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
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Cross-references
- Luke 3:10 The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”
- Acts 22:10 Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up and go into Damascus,’ He told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’
- Acts 16:29 Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Luke 3:12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
- Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”
- John 8:9 When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.
- Ezekiel 7:16 The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity.
- John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
- Acts 9:5 “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.