Acts 11:6

Authorized King James Version

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰς

G1519

Upon

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἣν

G3739

the which

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

ἀτενίσας

G816

when I had fastened mine eyes

to gaze intently

κατενόουν

G2657

I considered

to observe fully

καὶ

G2532

and

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

εἶδον

G1492

saw

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

τὰ

G3588

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

τετράποδα

G5074

fourfooted beasts

a quadruped

τῆς

G3588

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

#10

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)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

τὰ

G3588

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

#13

θηρία

G2342

wild beasts

a dangerous animal

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

τὰ

G3588

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

#16

ἑρπετὰ

G2062

creeping things

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

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

τὰ

G3588

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

#19

πετεινὰ

G4071

fowls

a flying animal, i.e., bird

#20

τοῦ

G3588

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

#21

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

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 verse's literary context within Acts chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul