Acts 4:3
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπέβαλον
they laid
G1911
ἐπέβαλον
they laid
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
2 of 16
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
αὐτοῖς
on them
G846
αὐτοῖς
on them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
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
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
hands
G5495
χεῖρας
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
5 of 16
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔθεντο
put
G5087
ἔθεντο
put
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
7 of 16
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
εἰς
them in
G1519
εἰς
them in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τήρησιν
hold
G5084
τήρησιν
hold
Strong's:
G5084
Word #:
9 of 16
a watching, i.e., (figuratively) observance, or (concretely) a prison
εἰς
them in
G1519
εἰς
them in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὔριον·
the next day
G839
αὔριον·
the next day
Strong's:
G839
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow
Historical Context
Jewish law required trials begin and conclude during daylight to ensure fairness and proper witness examination. The Sanhedrin couldn't convene at night, forcing overnight detention. This same council had illegally tried Jesus at night (Mark 14:53-65), revealing their hypocrisy in now following legal procedure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does overnight imprisonment test faith's reality - does your confession survive darkness and delay?
- What transformation occurred in Peter between denying Christ in the courtyard and boldly proclaiming Him before the same council?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The arrest - 'laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day' - demonstrates that gospel proclamation produces opposition from worldly powers. The phrase 'it was now eventide' explains the delay in trial due to Jewish legal procedure prohibiting night trials. This imprisonment parallels Christ's arrest, beginning the pattern of apostolic suffering 'for his name's sake' (v. 17). Peter and John's courage, recently fearful at Christ's trial, shows Spirit-transformation.