Acts 10:4
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
on him
G846
αὐτῷ
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 27
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γενόμενος
he was
G1096
γενόμενος
he was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 27
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτῷ
on him
G846
αὐτῷ
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 27
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
Αἱ
G3588
Αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχαί
prayers
G4335
προσευχαί
prayers
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
16 of 27
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεημοσύναι
alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύναι
alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
20 of 27
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
23 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Malachi 3:16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.Acts 10:31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.Revelation 8:4And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.Psalms 141:2Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.Philippians 4:18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.Matthew 26:13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.Luke 1:29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.2 Chronicles 6:33Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.
Historical Context
The 'memorial' language echoed Old Testament sacrifice terminology (Leviticus 2:2). God received Cornelius's piety as genuine seeking that would now find its proper object in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How can genuine religious seeking find its completion only in Christ?
- What does God 'remembering' prayers and alms teach about His attention to sincere seekers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Cornelius's fear and question - 'What is it, Lord?' - showed reverent openness. The angel's response - 'Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God' - indicates God noted his devotion. Yet devotion required completion through the gospel message.