Acts 16:35

Authorized King James Version

And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἡμέρας
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
γενομένης
when it was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#4
ἀπέστειλαν
sent
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
#5
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
στρατηγοὶ
the magistrates
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
#7
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ῥαβδούχους
the serjeants
a rod- (the latin <i>fasces</i>) holder, i.e., a roman lictor (constable or executioner)
#9
λέγοντες
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#10
Ἀπόλυσον
Let
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#11
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀνθρώπους
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#13
ἐκείνους
those
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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