Acts 7:38

Authorized King James Version

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτός
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
ἐστιν
is he
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#3
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
γενόμενος
that was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
#11
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#12
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἀγγέλου
G32
the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#14
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λαλοῦντος
spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#16
αὐτῷ
to 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
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ὄρει
the mount
a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)
#20
Σινᾶ
Sina
sina (i.e., sinai), a mountain in arabia
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
τῶν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
πατέρων
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#24
ἡμῶν
with our
of (or from) us
#25
ὃς
who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#26
ἐδέξατο
received
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#27
λόγια
oracles
an utterance (of god)
#28
ζῶντα
the lively
to live (literally or figuratively)
#29
δοῦναι
to give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#30
ἡμῖν
unto us
to (or for, with, by) us

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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