Acts 12:1

Authorized King James Version

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Κατ'
about
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#2
ἐκεῖνον
that
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#3
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#4
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
καιρὸν
time
an occasion, i.e., set or proper time
#6
ἐπέβαλεν
stretched forth
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
#7
Ἡρῴδης
Herod
heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings
#8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
βασιλεὺς
the king
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#10
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
χεῖρας
his hands
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#12
κακῶσαί
to vex
to injure; figuratively, to exasperate
#13
τινας
certain
some or any person or object
#14
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἀπὸ
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#16
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐκκλησίας
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

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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