Acts 12:8

Authorized King James Version

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τε

G5037

And

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ὁ

G3588

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

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτῷ

G846

him

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

Περίζῶσαι

G4024

Gird thyself

to gird all around, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ὑπόδησαι

G5265

bind on

to bind under one's feet, i.e., put on shoes or sandals

#10

τὰ

G3588

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

#11

σανδάλιά

G4547

sandals

a slipper or sole-pad

#12

σου

G4675

thee

of thee, thy

#13

ἐποίησεν

G4160

he did

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#14

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

#15

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#17

λέγει

G3004

he saith

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#18

αὐτῷ

G846

him

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

#19

Περιβαλοῦ

G4016

Cast

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

#20

τὸ

G3588

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

#21

ἱμάτιόν

G2440

thy garment

a dress (inner or outer)

#22

σου

G4675

thee

of thee, thy

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#24

ἀκολούθει

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

#25

μοι

G3427

to me

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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