Acts 7:39

Authorized King James Version

To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
To whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
ἠθέλησαν
would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#4
ὑπήκοοι
attentively listening, i.e., (by implication) submissive
#5
γενέσθαι
obey
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#6
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πατέρες
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#8
ἡμῶν
our
of (or from) us
#9
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#10
ἀπώσαντο
thrust him from them
to push off, figuratively, to reject
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἐστράφησαν
turned back again
to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
#13
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
καρδίαις
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#15
αὐτῶν
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
#16
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
Αἴγυπτον
Egypt
aegyptus, the land of the nile

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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