Acts 10:12

Authorized King James Version

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

Wherein

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ᾧ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὑπῆρχεν

G5225

were

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

πάντα

G3956

all manner

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ

G3588

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

τετράποδα

G5074

of fourfooted beasts

a quadruped

τῆς

G3588

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

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

τὰ

G3588

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

#11

θηρία

G2342

wild beasts

a dangerous animal

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

τὰ

G3588

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

#14

ἑρπετὰ

G2062

creeping things

a reptile, i.e., (by hebraism (compare h7431)) a small animal

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

τὰ

G3588

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

#17

πετεινὰ

G4071

fowls

a flying animal, i.e., bird

#18

τοῦ

G3588

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

#19

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

of the air

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?

Related Resources

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