The phrase "cut to the heart" isn't just about feeling bad; it points to a deep, piercing spiritual wound. This intense emotional and mental distress was the necessary first step for them to even consider changing their destructive path and seeking a new one.
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter has just delivered a powerful sermon, explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost in light of Old Testament prophecy and directly accusing the crowd of crucifying Jesus, the Messiah. In response to this startling truth and the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit they've witnessed, the people are deeply convicted and realize their profound error. This leads them to desperately seek guidance from Peter and the other apostles, asking how they can possibly mend the damage they've done.
When Peter's sermon hit home, it wasn't a gentle nudge. It was a sharp, piercing pain that demanded a response.
The Greek word used for 'pricked' here ( katenugēsan) paints a vivid picture. It's not just about feeling a bit sad or regretful; it's about being pierced, stung, or deeply wounded by something sharp.
Think of it like this:
Hours earlier, these same people were mocking the disciples. Now, they're asking the most vital question of their lives with newfound respect.
It's remarkable to see the transformation in the crowd's attitude. Initially, they were dismissive and accusatory, even suggesting the disciples were drunk (Acts 2:13). But after hearing Peter's powerful sermon, their entire perspective shifted.
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Observe the change:
Understand the original words
katanyssō · Greek Verb
To be deeply troubled or pierced by a realization of guilt or spiritual conviction; it signifies a profound emotional and spiritual awakening to one's sin.
metanoeō · Greek Verb
A fundamental change of mind, heart, and direction regarding sin and God; it is the turning away from self and sin toward faith in Jesus Christ.
baptizō · Greek Verb
An outward, public rite symbolizing identification with Christ, cleansing from sin, and entry into the body of believers. It is an act of obedience to the command of the risen Lord.
aphesis · Greek Noun
The legal and spiritual removal of the guilt, penalty, and power of sin through the sacrifice of Christ, resulting in reconciliation with God.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, given to believers as a mark of ownership, an agent of sanctification, and a deposit guaranteeing their inheritance in God's kingdom.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified under Pontius Pilate, but his followers believe he was resurrected from the dead three days later.
c. 30 AD
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples, promising that the Holy Spirit will soon be sent.
c. 30 AD— this verse
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in other tongues and leading Peter to preach his powerful sermon to the crowds in Jerusalem.
c. 30 AD
The First Christian Sermon
Peter preaches a compelling sermon directly addressing the crowd's role in Jesus' death and resurrection, leading to their deep remorse and inquiry.
c. 30 AD
The First Christian Conversions
Following Peter's sermon and the crowd's outcry, about three thousand people repent, are baptized, and join the early Christian community.
This Old Testament passage prophesies a future outpouring of the Spirit that will cause the people of Israel to look on 'him whom they have pierced,' leading to deep mourning and repentance, directly paralleling the remorse felt by the crowd in Acts 2.
Acts 9:6When Saul of Tarsus encounters the risen Christ, he asks the same desperate question, 'Lord, what shall I do?' demonstrating a similar immediate, heart-piercing realization of guilt and a desire for divine guidance.
Luke 3:10John the Baptist's call to repentance, 'What then shall we do?' is a precursor to Peter's message, highlighting that a genuine sense of sin and a desire for action are foundational steps toward God's kingdom.
Jeremiah 3:22This prophet calls backsliders to return, urging them to 'Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, but he will heal us,' mirroring the crowd's realization of their wrongdoing and their plea for healing and guidance.
Psalm 51:17The Psalmist declares that 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise,' echoing the profound sense of brokenness and remorse that characterized the crowd's response to Peter's sermon.
cambridgeActs 2:37: "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?"
37–40 . Effect of St Peter’s Sermon 37 . pricked in their heart ] stung with remorse at the enormity of the wickedness which had been committed in the Crucifixion, and at the blindness with which the whole nation had closed their eyes to the teaching of the prophecies which had spoken of the Messiah. unto Peter and to the rest of the a…
vincentActs 2:37: "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?"
They were pricked (κατενύγησαν)Only here in New Testament. The word does not occur in profane Greek. It is found in the Septuagint, as Genesis 34:7, of the grief of the sons of Jacob at the dishonor of Dinah. See, also, Psalm 109:16(Sept. 108) Psalm 109:16 : "broken in heart." The kindred noun κατάνυξις occurs Romans 11:8, in the sen…
The phrase "cut to the heart" isn't just about feeling bad; it points to a deep, piercing spiritual wound. This intense emotional and mental distress was the necessary first step for them to even consider changing their destructive path and seeking a new one.
Peter has just delivered a powerful sermon, explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost in light of Old Testament prophecy and directly accusing the crowd of crucifying Jesus, the Messiah. In response to this startling truth and the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit they've witnessed, the people are deeply convicted and realize their profound error. This leads them to desperately seek guidance from Peter and the other apostles, asking how they can possibly mend the damage they've done.
Peter has just delivered a powerful sermon, explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost in light of Old Testament prophecy and directly accusing the crowd of crucifying Jesus, the Messiah. In response to this startling truth and the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit they've witnessed, the people are deeply convicted and realize their profound error. This leads them to desperately seek guidance from Peter and the other apostles, asking how they can possibly mend the damage they've done.
"Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgive…" — The phrase "cut to the heart" isn't just about feeling bad; it points to a deep, piercing spiritual wound. This intense emotional and mental distress was the necessary first step for them to even con…
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Last reviewed October 2026
