Acts 23:21

Authorized King James Version

But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

σὺ

G4771

thou

οὖν

G3767

But

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πεισθῇς

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

ἐνεδρεύουσιν

G1748

there lie in wait for

to lurk, i.e., (figuratively) plot assassination

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

ἐξ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#10

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

#11

ἄνδρες

G435

men

a man (properly as an individual male)

#12

πλείους

G4119

more than

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

#13

τεσσαράκοντα

G5062

forty

#14

οἵτινες

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#15

ἀνεθεμάτισαν

G332

have bound

to declare or vow under penalty of execration

#16

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

themselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#17

μήτε

G3383

neither

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

#18

φαγεῖν

G5315

eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#19

μήτε

G3383

neither

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

#20

πιεῖν

G4095

drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#21

ἕως

G2193

till

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

#22

οὗ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#23

ἀνέλωσιν

G337

they have killed

to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

#24

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#26

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#27

ἕτοιμοι

G2092

ready

adjusted, i.e., ready

#28

εἰσιν

G1526

are they

they are

#29

προσδεχόμενοι

G4327

looking for

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

#30

τὴν

G3588

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

#31

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#32

σοῦ

G4675

thee

of thee, thy

#33

ἐπαγγελίαν

G1860

a promise

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 covenant 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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

People

Peter
Paul