Acts 13:23

Authorized King James Version

Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τούτου
this man's
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#4
ἀπὸ
Of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
σπέρματος
seed
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
#7
κατ'
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#8
ἐπαγγελίαν
to his promise
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
#9
ἤγειρεν
hath
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Ἰσραὴλ
unto Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#12
σωτῆρα
a Saviour
a deliverer, i.e., god or christ
#13
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Acts. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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