Acts 17:27
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Original Language Analysis
ζητεῖν
That they should seek
G2212
ζητεῖν
That they should seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
1 of 18
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριον,
the Lord
G2962
Κύριον,
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἄρα
haply
G686
ἄρα
haply
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
5 of 18
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ψηλαφήσειαν
they might feel
G5584
ψηλαφήσειαν
they might feel
Strong's:
G5584
Word #:
7 of 18
to manipulate, i.e., verify by contact; figuratively, to search for
αὐτὸν
after him
G846
αὐτὸν
after him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.Deuteronomy 4:7For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Acts 15:17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Historical Context
Paul delivered this sermon at the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens circa AD 50, addressing Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (v. 18). Athens was filled with idols—Petronius said it was easier to find a god than a man there. Paul's rhetoric adapts to his cultured pagan audience, quoting their poets (v. 28) while building toward Christ's resurrection (v. 31).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth that God is 'not far from every one of us' intensify human accountability for rejecting Him?
- In what ways do modern people still 'feel after' God in darkness—and why is special revelation (Scripture, Christ) necessary for true knowledge of Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That they should seek the Lord (ζητέω τὸν κύριον, zeteo ton kyrion)—God's purpose in providentially ordering nations and their boundaries (v. 26) is soteriological: that humanity might seek Him. The verb implies earnest, diligent searching, not casual curiosity.
If haply they might feel after him (εἰ ἄρα γε ψηλαφήσειαν αὐτόν, ei ara ge pselaphaseian auton)—The rare verb pselaphao means to grope or feel about like one in darkness (cf. Job 12:25), capturing fallen humanity's spiritual blindness apart from revelation. Paul's conditional "if haply" (implying uncertainty) reflects the tentative, fumbling nature of natural theology—it can produce longing but not saving knowledge apart from special revelation.
Though he be not far from every one of us—The supreme irony: God's immanent nearness to all humanity (v. 28, "in him we live and move") makes their ignorance inexcusable (Romans 1:20). Divine transcendence does not mean distance; He sustains every breath even of idolaters who worship "unknown gods." This grounds Paul's call to repentance (v. 30).