Acts 7:2

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἔφη
he said
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
#4
Ἄνδρες
Men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#5
ἀδελφοὶ
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
πατρὶ
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#8
ἀκούσατε
hearken
to hear (in various senses)
#9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θεὸς
The God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#11
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
δόξης
of glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#13
ὤφθη
appeared
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
#14
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πατρὶ
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#16
ἡμῶν
unto our
of (or from) us
#17
Ἀβραὰμ
G11
Abraham
abraham, the hebrew patriarch
#18
ὄντι
when he was
being
#19
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
Μεσοποταμίᾳ
Mesopotamia
mesopotamia (as lying between the euphrates and the tigris; compare h0763), a region of asia
#22
πρὶν
before
before
#23
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#24
κατοικῆσαι
he dwelt
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
#25
αὐτὸν
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
#26
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#27
Χαῤῥάν
Charran
charrhan (i.e., charan), a place in mesopotamia

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People