Acts 28:20

Authorized King James Version

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διὰ

G1223

For

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὴν

G3588

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

αἰτίαν

G156

cause

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

παρεκάλεσα

G3870

have I called

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὑμᾶς

G5209

for you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἰδεῖν

G1492

to see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

you and

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

#10

προσλαλῆσαι

G4354

to speak with

to talk to, i.e., converse with

#11

ἕνεκεν

G1752

you because that

on account of

#12

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#13

τῆς

G3588

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

#14

ἐλπίδος

G1680

the hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

#15

τοῦ

G3588

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

#16

Ἰσραὴλ

G2474

of Israel

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

#17

τὴν

G3588

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

#18

ἅλυσιν

G254

chain

a fetter or manacle

#19

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#20

περίκειμαι

G4029

I am bound with

to lie all around, i.e., inclose, encircle, hamper (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of hope connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about hope, 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

In what ways does understanding hope in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on hope address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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