Acts 11:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
Upon
G1519
εἰς
Upon
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἣν
the which
G3739
ἣν
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
saw
G1492
εἶδον
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 21
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
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
of the earth
G1093
γῆς
of the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
10 of 21
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑρπετὰ
creeping things
G2062
ἑρπετὰ
creeping things
Strong's:
G2062
Word #:
16 of 21
a reptile, i.e., (by hebraism (compare h7431)) a small animal
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The four categories (fourfooted beasts, wild beasts, creeping things, fowls) encompass all unclean animals prohibited under Levitical law (Leviticus 11). Peter's detailed recounting around 40 CE emphasized vision's comprehensive scope—not selective relaxation but total transformation of purity system. This prepared theological ground for Gentile inclusion—if dietary laws were abolished, ethnic barriers must fall too.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does detailed description strengthen vision's credibility and significance?
- What does comprehensive inclusion of unclean animals symbolize theologically?
- How do dietary law changes relate to ethnic inclusion?
- In what ways does specificity in recounting experiences validate their divine origin?
- What does abolishing purity distinctions reveal about new covenant nature?
Analysis & Commentary
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. Peter's detailed vision description—specific animal categories—emphasizes the comprehensive abolition of dietary/purity distinctions under new covenant.