Acts 1:6
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
When
G3303
μὲν
When
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
they therefore
G3767
οὖν
they therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 18
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
συνελθόντες
were come together
G4905
συνελθόντες
were come together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
4 of 18
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
αὐτὸν
of him
G846
αὐτὸν
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνῳ
time
G5550
χρόνῳ
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
12 of 18
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
ἀποκαθιστάνεις
restore again
G600
ἀποκαθιστάνεις
restore again
Strong's:
G600
Word #:
14 of 18
to reconstitute (in health, home or organization)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 19:11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.Luke 17:20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:Daniel 7:27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.Matthew 24:3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?Luke 22:29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;Matthew 17:11And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.Matthew 20:21And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish messianic expectation emphasized political deliverance from Rome. The disciples, even after resurrection appearances, still anticipated an earthly kingdom. Jesus' response transformed their nationalistic hopes into global mission without denying future fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- How might your expectations of what God should do limit your participation in what He is doing?
- What does Jesus' response teach about prioritizing mission over speculation about timing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' question - 'wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?' - revealed lingering expectations of political restoration. Jesus redirected their focus from timing ('times or seasons') to mission ('ye shall be witnesses'). The Greek apokathistaneis (restore) echoed prophetic promises, showing the disciples still anticipated national restoration.