Acts 15:10

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
νῦν
Now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#2
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
τί
why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#4
πειράζετε
tempt ye
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
#5
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θεόν
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
ἐπιθεῖναι
to put
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#8
ζυγὸν
a yoke
a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
#9
ἐπὶ
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#10
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
τράχηλον
the neck
the throat (neck), i.e., (figuratively) life
#12
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μαθητῶν
of the disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#14
ὃν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#15
οὔτε
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#16
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πατέρες
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#18
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us
#19
οὔτε
neither
not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even
#20
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#21
ἰσχύσαμεν
were able
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
#22
βαστάσαι
to bear
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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 salvation 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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