Acts 10:21

Authorized King James Version

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καταβὰς
went down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#2
δὲ
Then
but, and, etc
#3
Πέτρος
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#4
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#5
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἄνδρας
the men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#7
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀπεσταλμενοῦς
were sent
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
#9
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#10
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Κορνηλίου
Cornelius
cornelius, a roman
#12
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#13
αὑτὸν,
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
#14
εἶπεν
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#15
Ἰδού,
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#16
ἐγώ
I
i, me
#17
εἰμι
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#18
ἣν
he whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
ζητεῖτε·
ye seek
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#20
τίς
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#21
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
αἰτία
is the cause
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
#23
δι'
wherefore
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#24
ἣν
he whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#25
πάρεστε
ye are come
to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

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

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