Acts 2:20

Authorized King James Version

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἥλιος
The sun
the sun; by implication, light
#3
μεταστραφήσεται
shall be turned
to turn across, i.e., transmute or (figuratively) corrupt
#4
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
σκότος
darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
σελήνη
the moon
the moon
#9
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
αἷμα
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#11
πρὶν
before
#12
before
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#13
ἐλθεῖν
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἡμέραν
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#16
κυρίου
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#17
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
μεγάλην
that great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#19
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἐπιφανῆ
notable
conspicuous, i.e., (figuratively) memorable

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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