Acts 7:8

Authorized King James Version

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ἔδωκεν

G1325

he gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτὸν

G846

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

διαθήκην

G1242

the covenant

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

περιτομῆς·

G4061

of circumcision

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐγέννησεν

G1080

Abraham begat

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν

G3588

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

#10

Ἰσαὰκ

G2464

Isaac

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

περιέτεμεν

G4059

circumcised

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

#13

αὐτὸν

G846

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

#14

τῇ

G3588

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

#15

ἡμέρᾳ

G2250

day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#16

τῇ

G3588

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

#17

ὀγδόῃ

G3590

the eighth

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

ὁ

G3588

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

#20

Ἰσαὰκ

G2464

Isaac

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

#21

τὸν

G3588

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

#22

Ἰακὼβ

G2384

Jacob

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#24

ὁ

G3588

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

#25

Ἰακὼβ

G2384

Jacob

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

#26

τοὺς

G3588

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

#27

δώδεκα

G1427

begat the twelve

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

#28

πατριάρχας

G3966

patriarchs

a progenitor ("patriarch")

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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

People

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Paul