Acts 4:16

Authorized King James Version

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγοντες
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
#2
Τί
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#3
ποιήσομεν
shall we do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#4
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀνθρώποις
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
τούτοις
to these
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
#7
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#8
μὲν
indeed
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#9
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#10
γνωστὸν
a notable
well-known
#11
σημεῖον
miracle
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#12
γέγονεν
hath been done
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
δι'
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#14
αὐτῶν
them
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
#15
πᾶσιν
to all them
all, any, every, the whole
#16
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
κατοικοῦσιν
that dwell
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
#18
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
in Jerusalem
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
#19
φανερόν
is manifest
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
#20
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
οὐ
we cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#22
δυνάμεθα
to be able or possible
#23
ἀρνήσασθαι·
deny
to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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