Acts 20:10

Authorized King James Version

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καταβὰς

G2597

went down

to descend (literally or figuratively)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ὁ

G3588

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

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐπέπεσεν

G1968

and fell on

to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

συμπεριλαβὼν

G4843

embracing

to take by enclosing altogether, i.e., earnestly throw the arms about one

εἶπεν

G2036

him said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#10

Μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#11

θορυβεῖσθε

G2350

Trouble

to be in tumult, i.e., disturb, clamor

#12

ἡ

G3588

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

#13

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#14

ψυχὴ

G5590

life

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#15

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

#16

ἐν

G1722

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

#17

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

#18

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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People

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Paul