Acts 2:37

Authorized King James Version

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀκούσαντες
when they heard
to hear (in various senses)
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
κατενύγησαν
this they were pricked
to pierce thoroughly, i.e., (figuratively) to agitate violently ("sting to the quick")
#4
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
καρδίᾳ
in their heart
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#6
εἶπόν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#7
τε
and
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#8
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,
#9
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Πέτρον
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
λοιποὺς
to the rest
remaining ones
#14
ἀποστόλους
of the apostles
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
#15
Τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#16
ποιήσομεν,
shall we do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#17
ἄνδρες
Men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#18
ἀδελφοί
G80
and brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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