And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Christ's resurrection wasn't just a temporary return to life, but a definitive victory over death, ensuring He would never again decay or return to the grave. This eternal life, promised in the "holy and sure blessings of David," signifies the unwavering and complete fulfillment of God's covenant through Jesus.
And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is demonstrating that the resurrection of Jesus, his ultimate victory over death, was prophesied. He cites Isaiah 55:3, showing that God's promise of "sure mercies" to David was not just about David, but about a future descendant who would reign forever. This promise of enduring favor, sealed by Jesus' resurrection, guarantees the eternal reality of God's covenant blessings for His people.
Why is Christ's resurrection so crucial? It wasn't just another 'coming back to life.' This resurrection is different, marking a permanent end to death's power.
Paul emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection means He will 'no more return to corruption.' This isn't like other resurrections in Scripture where individuals later died again.
A Permanent Victory
What are the 'sure mercies of David,' and how do they connect to Jesus' resurrection and God's promises?
Paul quotes Isaiah 55:3, 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.' This refers to the deep, reliable promises God made to King David, promises that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
God's Faithful Covenant
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Understand the original words
diaphthoran · Greek Noun
The physical and spiritual decay that follows death. In this context, it signifies the mortal state of existence that Jesus conquered through His resurrection, ensuring He remains eternally alive.
hosia · Greek Noun
Those spiritual favors, promises, or covenantal mercies granted by God to King David, specifically referring to the promise of an eternal kingdom and an everlasting throne fulfilled in the Messiah.
By quoting Isaiah 55:3, Paul connects Jesus' resurrection directly to God's ancient covenant with David. This shows the audience that Jesus is the promised Messiah whose victory over death secures the eternal blessings God swore to David.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant Established
God makes a covenant with King David, promising that his descendants will rule on the throne of Israel forever. This is seen as a foundational promise of a perpetual kingdom.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah Prophesies Messiah's Return
The prophet Isaiah, speaking to a people in exile, foretells a future king from David's line who will establish an everlasting covenant of sure mercies.
c. 40 BC
Herod the Great Rules Judea
Herod, an Idumean client king appointed by Rome, reigns over Judea. He is known for his building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple, but also for his cruelty.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Resurrection
Jesus, a descendant of David, lives, preaches, performs miracles, dies by crucifixion, and is resurrected from the dead, powerfully conquering death.
c. AD 30s
Early Church Spreads the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, his apostles begin proclaiming his resurrection and the fulfillment of God's promises, facing initial resistance from Jewish authorities.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Cyprus and Asia Minor, preaching the Gospel in synagogues and facing both acceptance and rejection, culminating in a council in Jerusalem.
This is the direct source of the quote Paul uses, revealing that the 'holy and sure blessings' are God's promise of an everlasting covenant established through David's line.
Psalm 16:10Paul implicitly alludes to this Psalm, which Peter also used (Acts 2:27), stating that God would not 'give his Holy One to see corruption,' directly supporting the idea of an unending life after resurrection.
2 Samuel 7:12-16This passage records God's covenant with David, promising an everlasting kingdom and lineage, which Paul connects to the messianic promise of resurrection and eternal reign.
Romans 6:9Paul echoes the certainty of Christ's resurrection here, stating 'Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over him,' mirroring the 'no more to return to corruption' phrase.
Psalm 132:11This Psalm speaks of God's oath to David concerning the fruit of his body reigning on his throne, reinforcing the Davidic covenant promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' resurrection and eternal kingship.
pulpitActs 13:34: "And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David."
Verse 34. - Hath spoken for said, A.V.; holy and sure blessings for sure mercies, A.V. No more to return to corruption. This is added to show that Christ's resurrection was a final victory over death; not like that of Lazarus, or the Shunammite's son, or Jairus's daughter, but, as St. Paul himself says (Romans 6:9), "Christ be…
ellicottActs 13:34: "And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David."
(34) Now no more to return to corruption. —We note from the turn of the phrase that St. Paul already has the words of Psalm 16:10 in his mind, though he has not as yet referred to it. I will give you the sure mercies of David.—The words do not seem in themselves to have the nature of a Messianic prediction. To those, however,…
The verse highlights that Christ's resurrection wasn't just a temporary return to life, but a definitive victory over death, ensuring He would never again decay or return to the grave. This eternal life, promised in the "holy and sure blessings of David," signifies the unwavering and complete fulfillment of God's covenant through Jesus.
Paul is demonstrating that the resurrection of Jesus, his ultimate victory over death, was prophesied. He cites Isaiah 55:3, showing that God's promise of "sure mercies" to David was not just about David, but about a future descendant who would reign forever. This promise of enduring favor, sealed by Jesus' resurrection, guarantees the eternal reality of God's covenant blessings for His people.
Paul is demonstrating that the resurrection of Jesus, his ultimate victory over death, was prophesied. He cites Isaiah 55:3, showing that God's promise of "sure mercies" to David was not just about David, but about a future descendant who would reign forever. This promise of enduring favor, sealed by Jesus' resurrection, guarantees the eternal reality of God's covenant blessings for His people.
"And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,
“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’" — The verse highlights that Christ's resurrection wasn't just a temporary return to life, but a definitive victory over death, ensuring He would never again decay or return to the grave. This eternal l…
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Last reviewed October 2026