Acts 23:19
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιλαβόμενος
took
G1949
ἐπιλαβόμενος
took
Strong's:
G1949
Word #:
1 of 18
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρὸς
by the hand
G5495
χειρὸς
by the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 18
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 18
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
G5506
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
7 of 18
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατ'
privately
G2596
κατ'
privately
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἰδίαν
G2398
ἰδίαν
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
11 of 18
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
ἐπυνθάνετο
and asked
G4441
ἐπυνθάνετο
and asked
Strong's:
G4441
Word #:
12 of 18
to question, i.e., ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from g2065, which properly means a request as a favor;
Τί
him What
G5101
Τί
him What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
Roman military officers were trained in intelligence gathering and maintaining civil order. The commander's careful handling of this information reflects Roman administrative competence that helped maintain empire-wide stability.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you handle sensitive information with discretion while taking appropriate action?
- What does this teach about God's use of professional competence in secular authorities to accomplish His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
The chief captain's personal attention - taking the young man 'by the hand' and asking privately - shows respect and prudence. His willingness to hear information from a young Jewish man demonstrates Roman professional competence in gathering intelligence. This private inquiry protected both the informant and the investigation, showing wisdom in handling sensitive information.