Acts 3:25

Authorized King James Version

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐστε

G2075

are

ye are

υἱοὶ

G5207

the children

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τῶν

G3588

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

προφητῶν

G4396

of the prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

Καὶ

G2532

And

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

τῆς

G3588

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

διαθήκης

G1242

of the covenant

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

ἡς

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

διέθετο

G1303

made

to put apart, i.e., (figuratively) dispose (by assignment, compact, or bequest)

#11

ὁ

G3588

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

#12

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#13

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#14

τοὺς

G3588

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

#15

πατέρας

G3962

fathers

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#16

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#17

λέγων

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#18

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#19

Ἀβραάμ,

G11

Abraham

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

#20

Καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

τῷ

G3588

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

#22

σπέρματί

G4690

seed

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

#23

σου

G4675

in thy

of thee, thy

#24

ἐνευλογηθήσονται

G1757

be blessed

to confer a benefit on

#25

πᾶσαι

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#26

αἱ

G3588

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

#27

πατριαὶ

G3965

the kindreds

paternal descent, i.e., (concretely) a group of families or a whole race (nation)

#28

τῆς

G3588

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

#29

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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