Acts 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Original Language Analysis
γρηγορεῖτε
watch
G1127
γρηγορεῖτε
watch
Strong's:
G1127
Word #:
2 of 15
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
μνημονεύοντες
and remember
G3421
μνημονεύοντες
and remember
Strong's:
G3421
Word #:
3 of 15
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τριετίαν
by the space of three years
G5148
τριετίαν
by the space of three years
Strong's:
G5148
Word #:
5 of 15
a three years' period (triennium)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμέραν
day
G2250
ἡμέραν
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
8 of 15
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
ἐπαυσάμην
I ceased
G3973
ἐπαυσάμην
I ceased
Strong's:
G3973
Word #:
10 of 15
to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Acts 19:10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.Acts 19:8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Acts 20:19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:Matthew 13:25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.Luke 21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.2 Timothy 4:5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Historical Context
Three years of sustained, emotional ministry established the pattern elders should continue. Paul's tears demonstrated genuine love underlying his warnings.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'night and day with tears' reveal about authentic pastoral care?
- How does remembering faithful ministry inspire continued vigilance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.' Paul's emotional investment over three years modeled pastoral vigilance. 'Night and day with tears' shows constant, compassionate care.