Acts 24:21

Authorized King James Version

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Except
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#2
Περὶ
it be for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#3
μιᾶς
one
#4
ταύτης
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#5
φωνῆς
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#6
ἧς
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἔκραξα
I cried
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
#8
ἑστὼς
standing
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
αὐτοῖς
them
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
ὅτι
Touching
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
Περὶ
it be for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#13
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
#14
νεκρῶν
of the dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#15
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#16
κρίνομαι
am called in question
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#17
σήμερον
this day
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
#18
ὑφ'
by
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#19
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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