Acts 15:21

Authorized King James Version

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Μωσῆς
Moses
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
γενεῶν
time
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
#5
ἀρχαίων
old
original or primeval
#6
κατὰ
every
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
πόλιν
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#8
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κηρύσσοντας
them that preach
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
#10
αὐτὸν
him
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
#11
ἔχει
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#12
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
#15
κατὰ
every
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#16
πᾶν
all, any, every, the whole
#17
σάββατον
sabbath day
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
#18
ἀναγινωσκόμενος
being read
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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