Acts 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἄνδρες
Men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#2
ἀδελφοί
G80
and brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#3
ἔδει
must
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
#4
πληρωθῆναι
needs have been fulfilled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#5
τὸν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
γραφὴν
scripture
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#7
ταύτην,
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#8
ἣν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
προεῖπεν
spake before
to say already, to predict
#10
τὸν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πνεῦμα
Ghost
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#12
τὸν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἅγιον
G40
the Holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#14
διὰ
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#15
στόματος
the mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#16
Δαβὶδ,
of David
david, the israelite king
#17
περὶ
concerning
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#18
Ἰούδα
Judas
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
#19
τὸν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
γενομένου
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#21
ὁδηγοῦ
guide
a conductor (literally or figuratively (teacher))
#22
τὸν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
συλλαβοῦσιν
to them that took
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
#24
τὸν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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