Acts 16:20

Authorized King James Version

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
προσαγαγόντες
brought
to lead towards, i.e., (transitively) to conduct near (summon, present), or (intransitively) to approach
#3
αὐτοὺς
them
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
#4
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
στρατηγοῖς
to the magistrates
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
#6
εἶπον,
saying
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#7
Οὗτοι
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#8
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἄνθρωποι
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
ἐκταράσσουσιν
do exceedingly trouble
to disturb wholly
#11
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πόλιν
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#14
Ἰουδαῖοι
Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#15
ὑπάρχοντες
being
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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