Acts 28:27

Authorized King James Version

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐπαχύνθη

G3975

is waxed gross

to thicken, i.e., (by implication) to fatten (figuratively, stupefy or render callous)

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

ἡ

G3588

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

καρδίᾳ

G2588

the heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

τοῦ

G3588

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

λαοῦ

G2992

people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

τούτου

G5127

of this

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τοῖς

G3588

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

#10

ὠσὶν

G3775

ears

the ear (physically or mentally)

#11

βαρέως

G917

are dull

heavily (figuratively)

#12

ἀκούσωσιν

G191

hear

to hear (in various senses)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

τοὺς

G3588

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

#15

ὀφθαλμοῖς

G3788

eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

#16

αὐτούς

G846

their

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

#17

ἐκάμμυσαν·

G2576

have they closed

to shut down, i.e., close the eyes

#18

μήποτε

G3379

lest

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

#19

ἴδωσιν

G1492

they should 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

#20

τοῖς

G3588

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

#21

ὀφθαλμοῖς

G3788

eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

τοῖς

G3588

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

#24

ὠσὶν

G3775

ears

the ear (physically or mentally)

#25

ἀκούσωσιν

G191

hear

to hear (in various senses)

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#27

τῇ

G3588

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

#28

καρδίᾳ

G2588

the heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#29

συνῶσιν

G4920

understand

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#31

ἐπιστρέψωσιν

G1994

should be converted

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

#32

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#33

ἰάσωμαι

G2390

I should heal

to cure (literally or figuratively)

#34

αὐτούς

G846

their

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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