Acts 6:1
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Original Language Analysis
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 25
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ταύταις
G3778
ταύταις
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
πληθυνόντων
was multiplied
G4129
πληθυνόντων
was multiplied
Strong's:
G4129
Word #:
6 of 25
to increase (transitively or intransitively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγένετο
there arose
G1096
ἐγένετο
there arose
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
9 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
against
G4314
πρὸς
against
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 25
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίᾳ
ministration
G1248
διακονίᾳ
ministration
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
20 of 25
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.Acts 4:35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.Acts 6:7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.Acts 9:39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.James 5:9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.Acts 11:20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.Acts 5:14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Acts 9:41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.Acts 4:4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
Historical Context
Hellenistic Jews were Greek-speaking diaspora Jews who had returned to Jerusalem. Cultural and linguistic differences created potential friction even among believers. Widow care was a Jewish communal responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How do cultural differences within the church create potential for conflict?
- What does organized 'daily ministration' teach about systematic care for the vulnerable?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'Grecians' (Hellenistic Jews) murmured against 'Hebrews' (Aramaic-speaking Jews) over widow care. Internal church conflict arose from cultural division. The 'daily ministration' indicates organized charitable distribution. This first recorded church conflict reveals that community life faces practical challenges.