Acts 13:19

Authorized King James Version

And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
καθελὼν
when he had destroyed
to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)
#3
ἔθνη
nations
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#4
ἑπτὰ
seven
seven
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
γῆν
land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#7
Χανάαν
of Chanaan
chanaan (i.e., kenaan), the early name of palestine
#8
κατεκληροδότησεν
by lot
to be a giver of lots to each, i.e., (by implication) to apportion an estate
#9
αὐτῶν
their
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
#10
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γῆν
land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#12
αὐτῶν
their
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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