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Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Acts 12:23 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we see the consequences of not giving glory to God and taking credit for oneself. When King Herod arrogantly accepted the praise of the people as a god, the angel of the Lord struck him down for his pride. This serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring God in all that we do. The fate of King Herod illustrates the power of God and serves as a warning to those who seek to exalt themselves above Him. This incident also highlights the importance of humility and recognizing that all our talents, accomplishments, and successes come from God. Ultimately, this verse teaches us that God will not tolerate pride and arrogance, and those who do not give Him the glory will face the consequences of their actions.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of giving glory to God and acknowledging His sovereignty. The act of not giving God the glory resulted in the angel of the Lord smiting the individual, which can be seen as divine punishment for pride and lack of reverence for God. The phrase "eaten of worms" is a powerful image symbolizing decay and destruction, emphasizing the consequences of failing to glorify God. This verse serves as a reminder to believers of the seriousness of honoring and acknowledging God in all aspects of their lives. It also underscores the concept of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Word studies on phrases such as "gave not God the glory" can lead to a deeper understanding of the importance of humility and reverence in the face of God's power. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant lesson on the significance of giving God the glory He deserves.

Acts 12:23 in other translations

American Standard Version

And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

World English Bible

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Douay-Rheims

And forthwith an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not given the honour to God: and, being eaten up by worms, he gave up the ghost.

Geneva Bible (1599)

But immediatly the Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gaue not glorie vnto God, so that he was eaten of wormes, and gaue vp the ghost.