Acts 21:13

Authorized King James Version

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίθη

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ

G1161

Then

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

Τί

G5101

What

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιεῖτε

G4160

mean ye

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κλαίοντες

G2799

to weep

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

συνθρύπτοντές

G4919

to break

to crush together, i.e., (figuratively) to dispirit

#10

μου

G3450

mine

of me

#11

τὴν

G3588

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

#12

καρδίαν

G2588

heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#13

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#14

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#15

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#16

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#17

δεθῆναι

G1210

to be bound

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#18

ἀλλὰ

G235

also

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

ἀποθανεῖν

G599

to die

to die off (literally or figuratively)

#21

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

Ἰερουσαλὴμ

G2419

Jerusalem

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

#23

ἑτοίμως

G2093

ready

in readiness

#24

ἔχω

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#25

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#26

τοῦ

G3588

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

#27

ὀνόματος

G3686

the name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#28

τοῦ

G3588

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

#29

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#30

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul