Acts 16:37

Authorized King James Version

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

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

ἔφη

G5346

said

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτοὶ

G846

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

Δείραντες

G1194

They have beaten

properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash

ἡμᾶς

G2248

δημοσίᾳ

G1219

openly

public; (feminine singular dative case as adverb) in public

#10

ἀκατακρίτους

G178

uncondemned

without (legal) trial

#11

ἀνθρώπους

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#12

Ῥωμαίους

G4514

Romans

romaean, i.e., roman (as noun)

#13

ὑπάρχοντας

G5225

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

#14

ἔβαλον

G906

and have cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#15

εἰς

G1519

us into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

φυλακήν

G5438

prison

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#19

λάθρᾳ

G2977

privily

privately

#20

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#21

ἐκβάλλουσιν

G1544

do they thrust

to eject (literally or figuratively)

#22

οὐ

G3756

nay

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#23

γάρ

G1063

verily

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

#24

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#25

ἐλθόντες

G2064

let them come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#26

αὐτοὶ

G846

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

#27

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#28

ἐξαγαγέτωσαν

G1806

and fetch

to lead forth

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul