Acts 2:24

Authorized King James Version

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃν
Whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#4
ἀνέστησεν
hath raised up
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#5
λύσας
having loosed
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#6
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὠδῖνας
the pains
a pang or throe, especially of childbirth
#8
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θανάτου
of death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#10
καθότι
because
and g3739 and g5100; according to which certain thing, i.e., as far (or inasmuch) as
#11
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
ἦν
it was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#13
δυνατὸν
possible
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
#14
κρατεῖσθαι
should be holden
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
#15
αὐτοῦ·
it
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
#16
ὑπ'
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#17
αὐτοῦ·
it
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

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

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