Acts Chapter 3 · Verse 17
And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 13
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
οἶδα
I wot
G1492
οἶδα
I wot
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
κατὰ
through
G2596
κατὰ
through
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἐπράξατε
ye did
G4238
ἐπράξατε
ye did
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
8 of 13
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.Acts 13:27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.John 16:3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Historical Context
Jesus' crucifixion prayer 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34) underlies Peter's gracious assessment. Ignorance of Christ's true identity provided basis for appeal rather than hopeless condemnation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging ignorance open doors for grace without excusing sin?
- What balance exists between confronting guilt and offering hope?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter shows pastoral wisdom: 'through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.' This doesn't excuse guilt but opens a door for repentance. Ignorance mitigates though doesn't eliminate responsibility. Peter offers hope - their sin, though great, is not beyond forgiveness.