Acts 10:16
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
was done
G1096
ἐγένετο
was done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπὶ
thrice
G1909
ἐπὶ
thrice
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 13
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 #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
7 of 13
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκεῦος
the vessel
G4632
σκεῦος
the vessel
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
10 of 13
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Threefold repetition in Scripture indicates establishment and certainty. Peter couldn't dismiss this as random dream - it was persistent, coherent divine communication.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God sometimes repeat messages before we understand them?
- How does the vision's heavenly origin and destination confirm its authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The vision repeated 'thrice' for emphasis, then 'the vessel was received up again into heaven.' Triple repetition established certainty (Genesis 41:32). The heavenly origin and destination confirmed the message's divine authority.