Acts 1:20
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Original Language Analysis
Γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
Γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
1 of 23
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ψαλμῶν
of Psalms
G5568
ψαλμῶν
of Psalms
Strong's:
G5568
Word #:
5 of 23
a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms
Γενηθήτω
Let
G1096
Γενηθήτω
Let
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 23
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 23
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
ἔρημος
desolate
G2048
ἔρημος
desolate
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
10 of 23
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
καί
and
G2532
καί
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
no man
G3361
μὴ
no man
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔστω
let
G2077
ἔστω
let
Strong's:
G2077
Word #:
13 of 23
be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατοικῶν
dwell
G2730
κατοικῶν
dwell
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
15 of 23
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 23
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
καί
and
G2532
καί
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Τὴν
G3588
Τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπισκοπὴν
bishoprick
G1984
ἐπισκοπὴν
bishoprick
Strong's:
G1984
Word #:
20 of 23
inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the christian "episcopate"
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 23
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
Historical Context
The Greek episkope (bishopric/office) refers to oversight responsibility. David's imprecatory psalms found fulfillment in Judas, demonstrating the typological relationship between David's and Christ's betrayers.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you understand the use of imprecatory psalms in the New Testament?
- What principles guide the church in replacing fallen leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 and 109:8, applying David's words about personal enemies to Judas. The phrase 'let his habitation be desolate' connected to the abandoned field. The directive 'his bishoprick let another take' justified replacing Judas to restore the twelve.