Acts 21:3

Authorized King James Version

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀναφάναντες

G398

when we had discovered

to show, i.e., (reflexively) appear, or (passively) to have pointed out

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

τὴν

G3588

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

Κύπρον

G2954

Cyprus

cyprus, an island in the mediterranean

καὶ

G2532

and

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

καταλιπόντες

G2641

we left

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

αὐτὴν

G846

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

εὐώνυμον

G2176

on the left hand

properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand

ἐπλέομεν

G4126

and sailed

to pass in a vessel

#10

εἰς

G1519

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

#11

Συρίαν

G4947

Syria

syria (i.e., tsyria or tyre), a region of asia

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

κατήχθημεν

G2609

landed

to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel

#14

εἰς

G1519

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

#15

Τύρον·

G5184

Tyre

the city of tyre

#16

ἐκεῖσε

G1566

there

thither

#17

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#18

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#19

τὸ

G3588

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

#20

πλοῖον

G4143

the ship

a sailer, i.e., vessel

#21

ἀποφορτιζόμενον

G670

to unlade

to unload

#22

τὸν

G3588

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

#23

γόμον

G1117

her burden

a load (as filling), i.e., (specially) a cargo, or (by extension) wares

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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