Acts 23:5

Authorized King James Version

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔφη
said
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
#2
τε
Then
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Παῦλος
Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#5
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
ᾔδειν
I wist
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
ἀδελφοί
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#8
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#9
ἐστὶν
he was
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#10
ἀρχιερεύς·
the high priest
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#11
γέγραπται
it is written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#12
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#13
Ἄρχοντα
of the ruler
a first (in rank or power)
#14
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λαοῦ
people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#16
σου
of thy
of thee, thy
#17
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#18
ἐρεῖς
Thou shalt
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#19
κακῶς
evil
badly (physically or morally)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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