Acts 5:15

Authorized King James Version

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὥστε
Insomuch
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#2
κατὰ
into
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#3
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πλατείας
the streets
a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square
#5
ἐκφέρειν
that they brought forth
to bear out (literally or figuratively)
#6
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀσθενεῖς
the sick
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τιθέναι
laid
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#10
ἐπὶ
them on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#11
κλινῶν
beds
a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating)
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
κραββάτων
couches
a mattress
#14
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#15
ἐρχομένου
passing by
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#16
Πέτρου
of Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#17
κἂν
at the least
and (or even) if
#18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
σκιὰ
the shadow
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
#20
ἐπισκιάσῃ
might overshadow
to cast a shade upon, i.e., (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence
#21
τινὶ
some
some or any person or object
#22
αὐτῶν
of 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

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

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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