Acts 17:16

Authorized King James Version

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
at
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἀθήναις
Athens
athenae, the capitol of greece
#5
ἐκδεχομένου
waited for
to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await
#6
αὐτῷ
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
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Παύλου
while Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#9
παρωξύνετο
was stirred
to sharpen alongside, i.e., (figuratively) to exasperate
#10
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πνεῦμα
spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#12
αὐτῷ
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
#13
ἐν
at
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
αὐτῷ
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
#15
θεωροῦντι
when he saw
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
#16
κατείδωλον
to idolatry
utterly idolatrous
#17
οὖσαν
wholly given
being
#18
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πόλιν
the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

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

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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