Acts 7:31

Authorized King James Version

When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
When
but, and, etc
#3
Μωσῆς
Moses
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
#4
ἰδὼν
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#5
ἐθαύμασεν
it he wondered
to wonder; by implication, to admire
#6
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὅραμα
at the sight
something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)
#8
προσερχομένου
as he drew near
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#9
δὲ
When
but, and, etc
#10
αὐτὸν,
him
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
#11
κατανοῆσαι
to behold
to observe fully
#12
ἐγένετο
came
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
φωνὴ
it the voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#14
κυρίου
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#15
πρὸς
unto
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,
#16
αὐτὸν,
him
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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