Acts 17:26

Authorized King James Version

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐποίησέν

G4160

hath made

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τε

G5037

And

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἐξ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἑνὸς

G1520

one

αἵματός

G129

blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

ἔθνος

G1484

nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

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

κατοικεῖν

G2730

for to dwell

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

#10

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#11

πᾶν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#12

τὸ

G3588

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

#13

προσώπον

G4383

the face

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

#14

τῆς

G3588

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

#15

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#16

ὁρίσας

G3724

and hath determined

to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify

#17

προτεταγμένους

G4384

before appointed

to pre-arrange, i.e., prescribe

#18

καιροὺς

G2540

the times

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

τὰς

G3588

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

#21

ὁροθεσίας

G3734

the bounds

a limit-placing, i.e., (concretely) boundary-line

#22

τῆς

G3588

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

#23

κατοικίας

G2733

habitation

residence (properly, the condition; but by implication, the abode itself)

#24

αὐτῶν

G846

of their

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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