Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκαν
they gave forth
G1325
ἔδωκαν
they gave forth
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
κλῆρος
lots
G2819
κλῆρος
lots
Strong's:
G2819
Word #:
3 of 16
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 16
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλῆρος
lots
G2819
κλῆρος
lots
Strong's:
G2819
Word #:
8 of 16
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συγκατεψηφίσθη
he was numbered
G4785
συγκατεψηφίσθη
he was numbered
Strong's:
G4785
Word #:
12 of 16
to count down in company with, i.e., enroll among
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Leviticus 16:8And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.Joshua 18:10And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.Jonah 1:7And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.
Historical Context
The twelve apostles symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel, representing reconstituted Israel under Messiah's rule. This numerical restoration preceded Pentecost's universal outpouring.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might lot-casting have ceased after Pentecost?
- What does the restoration of the twelve teach about God's covenantal purposes for Israel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lot-casting, common in Old Testament practice (Proverbs 16:33), determined Matthias' selection. This was the last recorded biblical use of lots - afterward, the Spirit's direct guidance replaced mechanical methods. Matthias was 'numbered with the eleven,' restoring apostolic completeness.