Acts 1:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Γέγραπται
G1125
it is written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
βίβλῳ
G976
the book
a scroll
#5
ψαλμῶν
G5568
of Psalms
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
#6
Γενηθήτω
G1096
Let
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#7
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἔπαυλις
G1886
habitation
a hut over the head, i.e., a dwelling
#9
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#10
ἔρημος
G2048
desolate
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
#11
καί
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
μὴ
G3361
no man
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#13
ἔστω
G2077
let
be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be
#14
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
κατοικῶν
G2730
dwell
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#18
καί
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
Τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἐπισκοπὴν
G1984
bishoprick
inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the christian "episcopate"
#21
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#22
λάβοι
G2983
let
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#23
ἕτερος
G2087
another
(an-, the) other or different

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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