Acts 1:18

Authorized King James Version

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οὗτος
this man
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
μὲν
Now
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#3
οὖν
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#4
ἐκτήσατο
purchased
to get, i.e., acquire (by any means; own)
#5
χωρίον
a field
a spot or plot of ground
#6
ἐκ
with
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
μισθοῦ
the reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#9
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἀδικίας
G93
of iniquity
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
πρηνὴς
headlong
leaning (falling) forward ("prone"), i.e., head foremost
#13
γενόμενος
falling
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#14
ἐλάκησεν
he burst asunder
to crack open (from a fall)
#15
μέσος
in the midst
middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐξεχύθη
gushed out
to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow
#18
πάντα
all
all, any, every, the whole
#19
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
σπλάγχνα
bowels
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
#21
αὐτοῦ·
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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