Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Original Language Analysis
καί
And
G2532
καί
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀνόματι
named
G3686
ὀνόματι
named
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
4 of 24
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
πόλεως
of the city
G4172
πόλεως
of the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
7 of 24
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἧς
us whose
G3739
ἧς
us whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
διήνοιξεν
opened
G1272
διήνοιξεν
opened
Strong's:
G1272
Word #:
16 of 24
to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαν
heart
G2588
καρδίαν
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
18 of 24
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
προσέχειν
that she attended
G4337
προσέχειν
that she attended
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
19 of 24
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαλουμένοις
unto the things which were spoken
G2980
λαλουμένοις
unto the things which were spoken
Strong's:
G2980
Word #:
21 of 24
to talk, i.e., utter words
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
22 of 24
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
Luke 24:45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,Isaiah 50:5The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Romans 9:16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Revelation 3:7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;Acts 18:7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
Historical Context
A seller of purple goods from Thyatira (Asia Minor) living in Philippi, Lydia was a 'God-fearer' (Gentile who worshiped Israel's God) when Paul met her at riverside prayer (AD 50). Her home became the Philippian church's meeting place.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God 'opening hearts' teach about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human response?
- How did Lydia's immediate hospitality demonstrate genuine conversion versus mere intellectual assent?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lydia's conversion demonstrates divine initiative: 'whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.' God's opening hearts precedes and enables gospel response. This prosperous businesswoman became Christianity's first European convert and immediately offered hospitality, showing faith's practical expression.