Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Original Language Analysis
Κατὰ
at
G2596
Κατὰ
at
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
5 of 16
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὕμνουν
and sang praises
G5214
ὕμνουν
and sang praises
Strong's:
G5214
Word #:
9 of 16
to hymn, i.e., sing a religious ode; by implication, to celebrate (god) in song
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
unto God
G2316
θεόν
unto God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
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
Cross References
Psalms 119:62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;Psalms 77:6I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:Psalms 50:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.Job 35:10But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Historical Context
At midnight in Philippi's inner prison (AD 50), after illegal beating and imprisonment, their worship preceded the earthquake that freed all prisoners. This worship-driven deliverance established pattern seen throughout Acts—praise precedes breakthrough.
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers cultivate worshipful responses to unjust suffering?
- What witness does maintaining joy and worship in hardship provide to watching unbelievers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul and Silas 'praying and singing hymns' while imprisoned with beaten backs demonstrates joy transcending circumstances through worship. Other prisoners 'heard them,' making their response a powerful testimony. This radical praise in suffering reflects the Beatitudes' reality and attracts divine intervention.