Acts 6:11
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 15
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὑπέβαλον
they suborned
G5260
ὑπέβαλον
they suborned
Strong's:
G5260
Word #:
2 of 15
to throw in stealthily, i.e., introduce by collusion
λέγοντας
which said
G3004
λέγοντας
which said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 15
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
ῥήματα
words
G4487
ῥήματα
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
9 of 15
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
βλάσφημα
blasphemous
G989
βλάσφημα
blasphemous
Strong's:
G989
Word #:
10 of 15
scurrilious, i.e., calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against god)
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Μωσῆν
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆν
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
12 of 15
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Jewish law required multiple witnesses for capital charges (Deuteronomy 17:6). Suborning false witnesses violated the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do opponents resort to false accusation when they cannot refute truth?
- How does Stephen's experience parallel Jesus' trial?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'They suborned men' - secretly inducing false testimony. The accusations of speaking 'against Moses, and against God' echoed charges against Jesus (Mark 14:58). False accusation is Satan's ancient strategy against God's servants.