Acts 10:17

Authorized King James Version

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ὡς

G5613

while

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

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

ἐν

G1722

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

ἑαυτῷ

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

διηπόρει

G1280

doubted

to be thoroughly nonplussed

τὸν

G3588

which

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

Πέτρος

G4074

Peter

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἂν

G302

should mean

whatsoever

#10

εἴη

G1498

might (could, would, or should) be

#11

τὸν

G3588

which

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

#12

ὅραμα

G3705

this vision

something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)

#13

ὃ

G3739

which

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

#14

εἶδεν

G1492

he had seen

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#15

καὶ

G2532

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

#16

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

#17

τὸν

G3588

which

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

#18

ἄνδρες

G435

the men

a man (properly as an individual male)

#19

τὸν

G3588

which

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

#20

ἀπεσταλμένοι

G649

were sent

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

#21

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#22

τὸν

G3588

which

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

#23

Κορνηλίου

G2883

Cornelius

cornelius, a roman

#24

διερωτήσαντες

G1331

had made enquiry

to question throughout, i.e., ascertain by interrogation

#25

τὸν

G3588

which

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

#26

οἰκίαν

G3614

house

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

#27

Σίμωνος

G4613

for Simon's

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

#28

ἐπέστησαν

G2186

and stood

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

#29

ἐπὶ

G1909

before

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

#30

τὸν

G3588

which

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

#31

πυλῶνα

G4440

the gate

a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule

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 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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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 this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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People

Peter
Paul