Acts 25:7

Authorized King James Version

And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
παραγενομένου
was come
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτοῦ
when he
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
#4
περιέστησαν
stood round about
to stand all around, i.e., (near) to be a bystander, or (aloof) to keep away from
#5
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#7
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
#8
καταβεβηκότες
which came down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#9
Ἰουδαῖοι
the Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#10
πολλὰ
many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
βαρέα
and grievous
weighty, i.e., (fig) burdensome, grave
#13
αἰτιάματα
complaints
a thing charged
#14
φέροντες
laid
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
#15
κατὰ
against
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#16
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
Παῦλου,
Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#18
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
ἴσχυον
they could
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
#21
ἀποδεῖξαι
prove
to show off, i.e., exhibit; figuratively, to demonstrate, i.e., accredit

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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