Acts 17:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ

G846

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

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ζῶμεν

G2198

we live

to live (literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

also

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

κινούμεθα

G2795

move

to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively

καὶ

G2532

also

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

ἐσμέν

G2070

have our being

we are

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#10

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#11

τινες

G5100

certain

some or any person or object

#12

τῶν

G3588

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

#13

καθ'

G2596

own

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#14

ὑμᾶς

G5209

of your

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#15

ποιητῶν

G4163

poets

a performer; specially, a "poet"

#16

εἰρήκασιν

G2046

have said

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

#17

Τοῦ

G5120

his

sometimes used for g5127; of this person

#18

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#19

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#20

γένος

G1085

offspring

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

#21

ἐσμέν

G2070

have our being

we are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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 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 does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul