he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over the details here, but notice that Peter is specifically pointing out what wasn't true for David. The verse clarifies that while David's body saw corruption and his soul might have experienced a temporary separation from God, Jesus' experience was entirely different. His resurrection guaranteed that neither his soul was left in the grave nor his body decayed, highlighting the unique triumph of Christ over death.
he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining how the prophecy in Psalm 16, which David wrote, wasn't about himself but pointed to the Messiah. He's arguing that David foresaw and spoke of Christ's resurrection, meaning Jesus wasn't left in the grave to decay. This verse is the climax of Peter's argument connecting the Old Testament scripture to Jesus's death and resurrection, which he just proclaimed as fact.
Did King David really understand he was prophesying about the Messiah's resurrection when he wrote Psalm 16? Peter says yes!
Peter, in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, uses Psalm 16 to powerfully argue for Jesus' resurrection. He clarifies that David, as a prophet, wasn't just speaking about his own experiences or hopes.
A Vision of the Future
When the text says David "saw this before," it points to a prophetic vision. Through the Holy Spirit, David was given insight into future events, specifically concerning the Messiah. This means David's words about not being left in the grave, and his body not decaying, were not mere poetry but a direct prophecy.
Beyond Personal Experience
Peter makes it clear that the full reality of Psalm 16 couldn't have applied to David himself. While David died and was buried, and his body eventually corrupted, the Messiah's experience would be different. David's prophetic insight thus pointed forward to a unique event: the resurrection of Jesus.
Why is it so important that Jesus' body didn't decay in the tomb, and His soul wasn't left in the grave?
This verse highlights two crucial aspects of Jesus' resurrection, distinguishing it from any natural death and burial:
Not Left in Hades
The phrase "nor was he left in Hades" (or 'the grave') signifies that Jesus' time in the realm of the dead was temporary. His spirit did not remain there, signifying victory over death and the grave.
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Flesh Sees No Corruption
The statement that "his flesh saw no corruption" is a direct reference to the state of Jesus' physical body. Unlike ordinary deceased bodies that would begin to decay, Jesus' body was preserved, pointing to His sinless nature and His triumphant, incorruptible resurrection. This wasn't just about avoiding decay; it was a sign of divine preservation and the power of life overcoming death.
Understand the original words
proeidon · Greek Verb
The act of perceiving or seeing beforehand, often implying divine revelation or prophetic insight into future events ordained by God.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The rising of the dead to life. In Christian theology, it refers specifically to Jesus' physical restoration to life on the third day, establishing his victory over death and validating his divine mission.
Christou · Greek Noun
The title 'Christ' means 'Anointed One' (Messiah). It refers to Jesus as the one specifically appointed and empowered by God to fulfill the messianic promises of the Old Testament.
Hades · Greek Noun
The realm of the dead or the underworld. In this context, it refers to the state of death where human spirits await judgment, but from which Jesus was vindicated and brought back.
sarx · Greek Noun
The physical body of a person. It can denote the fallen, sinful human nature (fleshly desires) or simply the material substance of the body.
diaphthoran · Greek Noun
The physical process of decaying or rotting. In biblical theology, it is the result of the fall and death, from which Jesus was exempt.
The prophecy Peter quotes from Psalm 16, though written by King David around 1000 BC, had a future fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead without experiencing decay.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign as King
King David, a key figure in Israel's history, is traditionally credited with composing Psalm 16, the scripture Peter is referencing. He reigned during a period of relative peace and prosperity for Israel.
c. 1000 BC
David Composes Psalm 16
It's believed David, in this psalm, prophetically spoke of the Messiah's resurrection, though he himself experienced death and corruption. Peter's sermon highlights this prophetic foresight.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified, buried, and his body is placed in a tomb. This event is the direct subject of Peter's sermon and the fulfillment of the prophecy.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is raised from the dead on the third day, a pivotal event in Christian belief. His body did not undergo decay.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is poured out on the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the gospel. Peter delivers his sermon on this day, using the resurrection of Jesus as central proof.
This is the direct Old Testament passage Peter is quoting from in Acts 2, showing the prophecy of the Messiah's resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4This passage explains the core of the Gospel message, including Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which is the event Peter is proving here.
Romans 6:4It parallels the idea of Christ being raised to life, not remaining in death, mirroring the 'not abandoned to Hades' theme.
Hebrews 13:20This verse offers a blessing referring to the 'great shepherd of the sheep' brought back from the dead, echoing the resurrection context.
cambridgeActs 2:31: "He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption."
31 . spake of the resurrection of Christ ] Better, of the resurrection of the Christ , i.e. the Messiah, the anointed of Jehovah. that his soul was not left in hell , &c.] The words for his soul are not found in the best MSS. Read, that neither was he left in hell nor did his flesh, &c . This is an example of a kind of variation from the earliest MSS.…
clarkeActs 2:31: "He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption."
That his soul was not left in hell - The words ἡ ψυχη αυτου, his soul, are omitted by ABCD, Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Vulgate. Griesbach has left them out of the text, and Professor White says again, certissime delenda. The passage may be thus read: "He spake of the resurrection of Christ, that he was not left in hades, neither did his flesh see…
It's easy to skim over the details here, but notice that Peter is specifically pointing out what wasn't true for David. The verse clarifies that while David's body saw corruption and his soul might have experienced a temporary separation from God, Jesus' experience was entirely different. His resurrection guaranteed that neither his soul was left in the grave nor his body decayed, highlighting the unique triumph of Christ over death.
Peter is explaining how the prophecy in Psalm 16, which David wrote, wasn't about himself but pointed to the Messiah. He's arguing that David foresaw and spoke of Christ's resurrection, meaning Jesus wasn't left in the grave to decay. This verse is the climax of Peter's argument connecting the Old Testament scripture to Jesus's death and resurrection, which he just proclaimed as fact.
Peter is explaining how the prophecy in Psalm 16, which David wrote, wasn't about himself but pointed to the Messiah. He's arguing that David foresaw and spoke of Christ's resurrection, meaning Jesus wasn't left in the grave to decay. This verse is the climax of Peter's argument connecting the Old Testament scripture to Jesus's death and resurrection, which he just proclaimed as fact.
"he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption." — It's easy to skim over the details here, but notice that Peter is specifically pointing out what wasn't true for David. The verse clarifies that while David's body saw corruption and his soul might…
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Last reviewed October 2026