Acts 17:21

Authorized King James Version

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἀθηναῖοι

G117

the Athenians

an athenaean or inhabitant of athenae

δὲ

G1161

(For

but, and, etc

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ

G2532

and

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

οἱ

G3588

which

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

ἐπιδημοῦντες

G1927

were there

to make oneself at home, i.e., (by extension) to reside (in a foreign country)

ξένοι

G3581

strangers

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

εἰς

G1519

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

οὐδὲν

G3762

nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#10

ἕτερον

G2087

else

(an-, the) other or different

#11

εὐκαίρουν,

G2119

spent their time

to have good time, i.e., opportunity or leisure

#12

ἢ

G2228

but either

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#13

λέγειν

G3004

to tell

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#14

τι

G5100

some

some or any person or object

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

ἀκούειν

G191

to hear

to hear (in various senses)

#17

καινότερον

G2537

new thing

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
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?

Related Resources

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