Acts 7:6

Authorized King James Version

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐλάλησεν
spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
οὕτως
on this wise
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
ὅτι
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
ἔσται
should
will be
#8
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
σπέρμα
seed
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
#10
αὐτὸ
his
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
πάροικον
sojourn
having a home near, i.e., (as noun) a by-dweller (alien resident)
#12
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
γῇ
land
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#14
ἀλλοτρίᾳ
a strange
another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
δουλώσουσιν
into bondage
to enslave (literally or figuratively)
#17
αὐτὸ
his
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
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
κακώσουσιν
entreat them evil
to injure; figuratively, to exasperate
#20
ἔτη
years
a year
#21
τετρακόσια·
four hundred
four hundred

Analysis

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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People