Acts 5:6
And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀναστάντες
arose
G450
ἀναστάντες
arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
1 of 9
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νεώτεροι
the young men
G3501
νεώτεροι
the young men
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
4 of 9
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
συνέστειλαν
up
G4958
συνέστειλαν
up
Strong's:
G4958
Word #:
5 of 9
to send (draw) together, i.e., enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial), contract (an interval)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 9
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Jewish law required burial by sundown, especially urgent in Jerusalem's heat. The 'young men' (Greek 'neōteroi') likely refers to appointed servants, not merely age group. Quick burial prevented ritual impurity from spreading and removed the sobering evidence from immediate sight.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the burial's immediacy teach about sin's consequences and their finality?
- How do you balance God's mercy with His justice when considering this judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The young men's immediate action - 'arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him' - fulfilled cultural necessity (Jewish burial within 24 hours) while removing evidence of judgment. The Greek 'systellō' (wound up) describes wrapping in burial cloths. The efficiency suggests divine judgment was understood and accepted. This swift removal also prevented Sapphira from being warned, allowing her independent test. The burial's immediacy emphasizes finality - no revival, no second chance, underscoring sin's deadly seriousness.