Acts 23:14

Authorized King James Version

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἵτινες
And they
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#2
προσελθόντες
came to
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#3
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀρχιερεῦσιν
the chief priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πρεσβυτέροις
elders
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
#8
εἶπον,
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#9
Ἀναθέματι
under a great curse
a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person)
#10
ἀνεθεματίσαμεν
We have bound
to declare or vow under penalty of execration
#11
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#12
μηδενὸς
nothing
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#13
γεύσασθαι
that we will eat
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
#14
ἕως
until
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#15
οὗ
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#16
ἀποκτείνωμεν
we have slain
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#17
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
Παῦλον
Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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