Acts 8:32

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
but, and, etc
#3
περιοχὴ
G4042
The place
a being held around, i.e., (concretely) a passage (of scripture, as circumscribed)
#4
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γραφῆς
G1124
of the scripture
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#6
ἣν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἀνεγίνωσκεν
G314
he read
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#8
ἦν
G2258
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#9
αὕτη·
G3778
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#10
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#11
πρόβατον
G4263
a sheep
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
#12
ἐπὶ
G1909
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#13
σφαγὴν
G4967
the slaughter
butchery (of animals for food or sacrifice, or (figuratively) of men (destruction))
#14
ἤχθη
G71
He was led
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#17
ἀμνὸς
G286
a lamb
a lamb
#18
ἐναντίον
G1726
before
(adverbially) in the presence (view) of
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
κείροντος
G2751
shearer
to shear
#21
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#22
ἄφωνος
G880
dumb
voiceless, i.e., mute (by nature or choice); figuratively, unmeaning
#23
οὕτως
G3779
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#24
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#25
ἀνοίγει
G455
opened he
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#26
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
στόμα
G4750
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#28
αὐτοῦ
G846
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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