Acts 3:23

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔσται
it shall come to pass
will be
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
πᾶσα
that every
all, any, every, the whole
#4
ψυχὴ
soul
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#5
ἥτις
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#6
ἂν
whatsoever
#7
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#8
ἀκούσῃ
hear
to hear (in various senses)
#9
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
προφήτου
prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#11
ἐκείνου
that
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#12
ἐξολοθρευθήσεται
shall be destroyed
to extirpate
#13
ἐκ
from among
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#14
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λαοῦ
the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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