Acts 19:3

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπον,
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
τε
And
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#3
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#4
αὐτοὺς,
them
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
#5
Εἰς
Unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#6
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#7
οὖν
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#8
ἐβαπτίσθητε
were ye baptized
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
#9
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#11
εἶπον,
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#12
Εἰς
Unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Ἰωάννου
John's
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#15
βάπτισμα
baptism
baptism (technically or figuratively)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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