Acts 17:11

Authorized King James Version

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοι
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
δὲ
but, and, etc
#3
ἦσαν
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#4
εὐγενέστεροι
more noble
well born, i.e., (literally) high in rank, or (figuratively) generous
#5
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐν
than those in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
Θεσσαλονίκῃ
Thessalonica
thessalonice, a place in asia minor
#8
οἵτινες
in that they
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#9
ἐδέξαντο
received
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#10
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
λόγον
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#12
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#13
πάσης
all
all, any, every, the whole
#14
προθυμίας
readiness of mind
predisposition, i.e., alacrity
#15
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
καθ'
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#17
ἡμέραν
daily
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
#18
ἀνακρίνοντες
and searched
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
#19
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
γραφὰς
the scriptures
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#21
εἰ
whether
if, whether, that, etc
#22
ἔχοι
were
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#23
ταῦτα
those things
these things
#24
οὕτως
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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