Acts 10:11

Authorized King James Version

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θεωρεῖ

G2334

saw

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸν

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἀνεῳγμένον

G455

opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καταβαῖνον

G2597

descending

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτὸν

G846

him

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

σκεῦός

G4632

vessel

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

#11

τι

G5100

a certain

some or any person or object

#12

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#13

ὀθόνην

G3607

sheet

a linen cloth, i.e., (especially) a sail

#14

μεγάλην

G3173

it had been a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#15

τέσσαρσιν

G5064

at the four

four

#16

ἀρχαῖς

G746

corners

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

#17

δεδεμένον

G1210

knit

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

καθιέμενον

G2524

let down

and ???? (to send); to lower

#20

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#21

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

γῆς

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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