Acts 11:8

Authorized King James Version

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπον
I said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δέ
But
but, and, etc
#3
Μηδαμῶς
Not so
by no means
#4
κύριε
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#5
ὅτι
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
πᾶν
nothing
all, any, every, the whole
#7
κοινὸν
common
common, i.e., (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane
#8
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#9
ἀκάθαρτον
unclean
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
#10
οὐδέποτε
at any time
not even at any time, i.e., never at all
#11
εἰσῆλθεν
entered
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#12
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
στόμα
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#15
μου
my
of me

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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