Acts 13:27
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
Original Language Analysis
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατοικοῦντες
they that dwell
G2730
κατοικοῦντες
they that dwell
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
3 of 23
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
5 of 23
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 23
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
ἀγνοήσαντες
because they knew
G50
ἀγνοήσαντες
because they knew
Strong's:
G50
Word #:
11 of 23
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὰς
the voices
G5456
φωνὰς
the voices
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
14 of 23
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητῶν
of the prophets
G4396
προφητῶν
of the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
16 of 23
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
G2596
κατὰ
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
18 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάββατον
sabbath day
G4521
σάββατον
sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
20 of 23
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
ἀναγινωσκομένας
are read
G314
ἀναγινωσκομένας
are read
Strong's:
G314
Word #:
21 of 23
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
Cross References
Acts 3:17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.Acts 15:21For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.Luke 24:20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.John 15:21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Historical Context
The irony that Jesus's executioners fulfilled the Scriptures they read 'every sabbath day' highlights tragic blindness. Their religious activity without spiritual perception led to crucifying the very Messiah Scripture predicted.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious activity without spiritual perception lead to opposing God while thinking you serve Him?
- What does this teach about God's ability to accomplish His purposes even through those who oppose Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's paradox - Jerusalem's inhabitants and rulers 'knew him not' yet 'fulfilled' prophetic Scriptures by condemning Jesus - demonstrates how opposition to God can unwittingly accomplish His purposes. Their ignorance didn't excuse guilt but showed how spiritual blindness led them to fulfill precisely what they should have recognized. This reveals God's sovereignty in using even rebellion to accomplish redemption.