Acts 25:21

Authorized King James Version

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
Παύλου
when Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#4
ἐπικαλεσαμένου
had appealed
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
#5
τηρεῖσθαι
to be kept
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#6
αὐτὸν
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
#7
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Σεβαστοῦ
of Augustus
venerable (august), i.e., (as noun) a title of the roman emperor, or (as adjective) imperial
#11
διάγνωσιν
the hearing
(magisterial) examination ("diagnosis")
#12
ἐκέλευσα
I commanded
"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order
#13
τηρεῖσθαι
to be kept
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#14
αὐτὸν
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
#15
ἕως
till
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#16
οὗ
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
πέμψω
I might send
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
#18
αὐτὸν
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
#19
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#20
Καίσαρα
Caesar
caesar, a title of the roman emperor

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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