Acts 22:7
And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνῆς
a voice
G5456
φωνῆς
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
8 of 15
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
λεγούσης
saying
G3004
λεγούσης
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Historical Context
On the Damascus road, circa AD 34, around noon (Acts 22:6; 26:13). Paul was 6 days from Damascus with authority to arrest believers. The supernatural light brighter than midday sun (Acts 26:13) and audible voice transformed Christianity's greatest enemy into its greatest missionary.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's identification with his persecuted church ('why persecutest thou ME?') shape your understanding of Christ's presence in suffering believers?
- What 'Damascus road' moment disrupted your trajectory and redirected your life toward Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I fell unto the ground (ἔπεσον εἰς τὸ ἔδαφος)—Physical prostration from divine encounter, echoing Old Testament theophanies (Ezekiel 1:28, Daniel 8:17). Saul, Saul—The doubled vocative in Hebrew/Aramaic intensifies urgency and emotion (compare 'Martha, Martha' in Luke 10:41; 'Jerusalem, Jerusalem' in Matthew 23:37). The risen Christ addresses Paul in his Hebrew name, affirming his Jewish identity even while redirecting his zeal.
Why persecutest thou me? (τί με διώκεις)—The pronoun 'me' is emphatic. Jesus doesn't say 'my followers' but identifies personally with his persecuted church. This reveals the mystical union between Christ and believers (compare Matthew 25:40: 'inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me'). To touch the church is to touch Christ himself.