Acts 8:32
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιοχὴ
The place
G4042
περιοχὴ
The place
Strong's:
G4042
Word #:
3 of 28
a being held around, i.e., (concretely) a passage (of scripture, as circumscribed)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφῆς
of the scripture
G1124
γραφῆς
of the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
5 of 28
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 28
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
αὕτη·
this
G3778
αὕτη·
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 28
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πρόβατον
a sheep
G4263
πρόβατον
a sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
11 of 28
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 28
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
σφαγὴν
the slaughter
G4967
σφαγὴν
the slaughter
Strong's:
G4967
Word #:
13 of 28
butchery (of animals for food or sacrifice, or (figuratively) of men (destruction))
ἤχθη
He was led
G71
ἤχθη
He was led
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
14 of 28
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 28
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 28
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
ἄφωνος
dumb
G880
ἄφωνος
dumb
Strong's:
G880
Word #:
22 of 28
voiceless, i.e., mute (by nature or choice); figuratively, unmeaning
ἀνοίγει
opened he
G455
ἀνοίγει
opened he
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
25 of 28
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 51:40I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he goats.Jeremiah 11:19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.Psalms 39:9I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.Psalms 39:2I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Jeremiah 12:3But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.1 Peter 1:19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Historical Context
Isaiah 53, written approximately 700 BCE, provided detailed prophecy of Messiah's suffering. Jewish interpretation divided over whether this described corporate Israel's suffering or individual Messiah's atoning death. Early Christians unanimously identified the Suffering Servant with Jesus crucified under Pontius Pilate.
The eunuch's reading of this specific passage represents divine providence. Of all possible texts, he encounters prophecy most clearly explaining Christ's death. Philip's task wasn't forcing foreign text onto unwilling hearer but showing how prophecy found fulfillment in recent events—Jesus' crucifixion around 30-33 CE. This conversation occurs 35-37 CE, enabling Philip to recount eyewitness testimony of early Christian community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's voluntary silence before accusers demonstrate His mission's purpose?
- What does the lamb imagery teach about substitutionary atonement?
- In what ways does Isaiah 53's specificity strengthen confidence in biblical prophecy and Christ's identity?
- How should Christ's refusal to defend Himself shape believers' responses to false accusations?
- What role does Old Testament prophecy play in establishing Jesus' messianic credentials?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53:7-8, one of Scripture's clearest prophecies of Christ's substitutionary atonement.
The lamb imagery connects to Passover and sacrificial system—innocent substitute bearing guilt in sinner's place. Led as sheep to slaughter indicates passive submission to violence. Jesus didn't resist arrest or crucifixion, willingly laying down His life (John 10:18). This voluntary submission distinguished Christ from mere martyrs; He chose the cross to accomplish redemption.
Like lamb dumb before shearer emphasizes silence—Christ didn't defend Himself before accusers (Matthew 26:63, 27:12-14). This fulfilled prophecy demonstrated divine orchestration. The Suffering Servant's silence contrasts with human instinct for self-preservation and self-justification. It reveals both humility and confidence in Father's vindication.
Opened he not his mouth has double meaning: no verbal defense and no sin (1 Peter 2:22). Perfect righteousness kept silence because no defense was needed against false charges. Reformed theology sees this as crucial to atonement—blameless substitute took guilty's place.