Acts 15:10
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?
Original Language Analysis
νῦν
Now
G3568
νῦν
Now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 22
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 22
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
3 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
πειράζετε
tempt ye
G3985
πειράζετε
tempt ye
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
4 of 22
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ζυγὸν
a yoke
G2218
ζυγὸν
a yoke
Strong's:
G2218
Word #:
8 of 22
a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
fathers
G3962
πατέρες
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
17 of 22
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Matthew 23:4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Hebrews 9:9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;Isaiah 7:12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.Hebrews 3:9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.Exodus 17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?Matthew 4:7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Historical Context
The 'yoke' metaphor referred to the comprehensive system of Mosaic law and rabbinic tradition. Peter's honest admission that Jews themselves failed to keep it undermined arguments for requiring Gentile law-observance.
Questions for Reflection
- How might you be tempting God by adding requirements to the simple gospel of grace?
- What does the law's unbearable yoke teach about human inability and need for grace?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter's question - 'why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?' - powerfully argues against legalism. Adding law-keeping to faith 'tempts God' by testing whether grace really suffices. Peter's admission that Jews themselves couldn't bear the law's yoke demonstrates its purpose: revealing sin and driving us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).