Acts 16:3

Authorized King James Version

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τοῦτον

G5126

Him

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

ἠθέλησεν

G2309

would

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

τὸν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

σὺν

G4862

with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

ἐξελθεῖν

G1831

have to go forth

to issue (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λαβὼν

G2983

took

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#10

περιέτεμεν

G4059

and circumcised

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

#11

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#12

διὰ

G1223

because

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#13

τὸν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

Ἰουδαίους

G2453

of the Jews

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

#15

τὸν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

ὄντας

G5607

were

being

#17

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#18

τὸν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

τόποις

G5117

quarters

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

#20

ἐκείνοις·

G1565

those

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

#21

ᾔδεισαν

G1492

they knew

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#22

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#23

ἅπαντες

G537

all

absolutely all or (singular) every one

#24

τὸν

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

πατὲρα

G3962

father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#26

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

#27

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#28

Ἕλλην

G1672

a Greek

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

#29

ὑπῆρχεν

G5225

was

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

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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