Acts Chapter 13 · Verse 41
Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Original Language Analysis
Ἴδετε
Behold
G1492
Ἴδετε
Behold
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφανίσθητε
perish
G853
ἀφανίσθητε
perish
Strong's:
G853
Word #:
7 of 24
to render unapparent, i.e., (actively) consume (becloud), or (passively) disappear (be destroyed)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔργον
a work
G2041
ἔργον
a work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
9 of 24
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἐργάζομαι
work
G2038
ἐργάζομαι
work
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
11 of 24
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
14 of 24
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἔργον
a work
G2041
ἔργον
a work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
16 of 24
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ὣ
which
G3739
ὣ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
19 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πιστεύσητε
believe
G4100
πιστεύσητε
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
20 of 24
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἐάν
though
G1437
ἐάν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
21 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
Habakkuk 1:5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?Proverbs 5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
Historical Context
Habakkuk originally addressed skeptics who couldn't believe God would judge Judah through Babylon. Paul applies this to those refusing to believe God's salvation through Christ's cross - both seemed incredible yet were divinely ordained.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this warning teach about the danger of skepticism toward God's surprising ways of working?
- How might you be tempted to reject God's work because it doesn't match your expectations?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's warning quotes Habakkuk 1:5 - 'Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish' - applying ancient prophecy to his hearers' situation. God's work in their day (Messiah's coming, death, resurrection) was so astounding that scoffers risked 'perishing' by refusing to believe. The warning 'though a man declare it unto you' indicates that even clear testimony can be rejected by hardened hearts.