Acts 7:11

Authorized King James Version

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἦλθεν
there came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
λιμὸς
a dearth
a scarcity of food
#4
ἐφ'
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#5
ὅλην
all
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#6
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
γὴν
the land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#8
Αἰγύπτου
of Egypt
aegyptus, the land of the nile
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
Χανάαν
Chanaan
chanaan (i.e., kenaan), the early name of palestine
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
θλῖψις
affliction
pressure (literally or figuratively)
#13
μεγάλη
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οὐχ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
εὕρισκον
found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#17
χορτάσματα
sustenance
forage, i.e., food
#18
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πατέρες
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#20
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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