Acts 7:52

Authorized King James Version

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Word-by-Word Analysis

τίνα

G5101

Which

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τοῦ

G3588

them which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφητῶν

G4396

of the prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐδίωξαν

G1377

have

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

τοῦ

G3588

them which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρες

G3962

fathers

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἀπέκτειναν

G615

they have slain

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

#11

τοῦ

G3588

them which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

προκαταγγείλαντας

G4293

shewed before

to anounce beforehand, i.e., predict, promise

#13

περὶ

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#14

τοῦ

G3588

them which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

ἐλεύσεως

G1660

the coming

an advent

#16

τοῦ

G3588

them which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

δικαίου

G1342

of the Just One

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

#18

οὗ

G3739

of whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#19

νῦν

G3568

now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#20

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#21

προδόται

G4273

the betrayers

a surrender

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

φονεῖς

G5406

murderers

a murderer (always of criminal (or at least intentional) homicide; which g0443 does not necessarily imply; while g4607 is a special term for a public

#24

γεγένησθε·

G1096

have been

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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