Acts 5:26

Authorized King James Version

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τότε
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
ἀπελθὼν
went
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
στρατηγὸς
the captain
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
#5
σὺν
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#6
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὑπηρέταις
the officers
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
#8
ἦγαγεν
G71
and brought
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
#9
αὐτούς
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
#10
οὐ
without
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
μετὰ
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#12
βίας
violence
force
#13
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#14
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#15
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
λαόν
the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#17
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#18
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#19
λιθασθῶσιν
they should have been stoned
to lapidate

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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