Acts 13:36

Authorized King James Version

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Δαβὶδ
David
david, the israelite king
#2
μὲν
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#3
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#4
ἰδίᾳ
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#5
γενεᾷ
generation
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
#6
ὑπηρετήσας
after he had served
to be a subordinate, i.e., (by implication) subserve
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#10
βουλῇ
by the will
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
#11
ἐκοιμήθη
fell on sleep
to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
προσετέθη
was laid
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
#14
πρὸς
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,
#15
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
πατέρας
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#17
αὐτοῦ
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
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
εἶδεν
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#20
διαφθοράν·
corruption
decay

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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