Acts 17:28
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 21
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
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
own
G2596
καθ'
own
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
εἰρήκασιν
have said
G2046
εἰρήκασιν
have said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
16 of 21
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
18 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Job 12:10In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.Colossians 1:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.Psalms 36:9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Luke 20:38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.John 5:26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;Psalms 66:9Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:Hebrews 12:9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?1 Samuel 25:29Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.
Historical Context
The Areopagus (Mars Hill) was Athens' philosophical forum. Paul's quotation from Greek poets (possibly Epimenides and Aratus) demonstrated cultural literacy while maintaining theological truth, showing how to build bridges without compromising the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you use cultural insights and common ground as bridges to gospel truth without compromising doctrine?
- What does Paul's approach teach about engaging intellectual audiences with biblical truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's Mars Hill declaration - 'in him we live, and move, and have our being' - articulates God's immanent sustenance of creation. Quoting their own poet ('we are also his offspring') shows wise contextualization, using truth wherever found to point toward Christ. This speech models engaging philosophical audiences by connecting gospel truth to their cultural touchstones.