Acts 13:41
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.