Acts 3:23
And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
Original Language Analysis
ψυχὴ
soul
G5590
ψυχὴ
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
4 of 15
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
prophet
G4396
προφήτου
prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
10 of 15
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἐκείνου
that
G1565
ἐκείνου
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
11 of 15
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἐκ
from among
G1537
ἐκ
from among
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:19And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.John 12:48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Hebrews 10:39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Historical Context
This severe warning echoed Deuteronomy 18:19's judicial consequences for ignoring God's prophet. Peter applies it to those who reject Jesus, warning that ethnic Israel offers no protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this warning challenge presumption based on religious heritage?
- What does exclusion 'from among the people' mean for those rejecting Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The warning - 'every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed' - applies Deuteronomy's curse to Christ-rejectors. Being 'destroyed from among the people' means covenant exclusion. Rejection of Jesus excludes from God's people regardless of Jewish lineage.