Acts 6:14
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
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
λέγοντος
say
G3004
λέγοντος
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 21
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
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ναζωραῖος
of Nazareth
G3480
Ναζωραῖος
of Nazareth
Strong's:
G3480
Word #:
8 of 21
a nazoraean, i.e., inhabitant of nazareth; by extension, a christian
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καταλύσει
shall destroy
G2647
καταλύσει
shall destroy
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
10 of 21
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
12 of 21
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Acts 21:21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.Daniel 9:26And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.Acts 15:1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.Acts 28:17And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.John 4:21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.Luke 21:6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.Galatians 3:19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.Galatians 3:23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.Acts 26:3Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.Acts 25:8While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Historical Context
Jesus did predict Jerusalem's temple destruction (Matthew 24:2), fulfilled in AD 70. The 'customs' referred to oral traditions beyond written Torah.
Questions for Reflection
- How do false accusations often contain distorted fragments of truth?
- What does this teach about the importance of accurate representation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They claimed Stephen said 'Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.' This partially echoed Jesus' teaching (John 2:19-21) but distorted its meaning. Truth mixed with distortion is Satan's most effective lie.