Acts 8:33
In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 22
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίσις
judgment
G2920
κρίσις
judgment
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
6 of 22
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 22
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
αἴρεται
is taken
G142
αἴρεται
is taken
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
8 of 22
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεὰν
generation
G1074
γενεὰν
generation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
11 of 22
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 22
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
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αἴρεται
is taken
G142
αἴρεται
is taken
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
16 of 22
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
19 of 22
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Isaiah 53:8He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
Historical Context
The prophecy's fulfillment occurred in Jesus' trials before Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod—all marked by injustice and procedural violations. Isaiah wrote this 700 years before crucifixion, yet details match Gospel accounts precisely.
The question about His generation gained poignancy after the crucifixion. His disciples fled; religious leaders celebrated; Romans considered it another execution. Yet within days, resurrection vindicated the condemned One. Philip, explaining this text around 35-37 CE, could recount recent events fulfilling ancient prophecy—powerful apologetic for Christianity's truth claims. The Ethiopian eunuch hearing this explanation receives both prophecy and fulfillment together.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's unjust treatment demonstrate both human sinfulness and divine redemptive purpose?
- What does 'judgment taken away' teach about legal righteousness versus substitutionary atonement?
- In what ways does the question 'who shall declare his generation?' highlight the mystery of incarnation and crucifixion?
- How should believers respond when experiencing denial of justice, in light of Christ's example?
- What role does the paradox of life being 'taken from earth' play in understanding atonement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. The prophecy continues describing the Suffering Servant's unjust treatment and mysterious death.
In his humiliation his judgment was taken away indicates denial of justice. Jesus' trials violated legal procedures—false witnesses, coerced confession attempts, nighttime proceedings. The phrase captures double injustice: innocent condemned while guilty go free. This miscarriage of justice served divine purpose—Christ bore judgment we deserved.
Who shall declare his generation? asks profound question. Some interpret generation as offspring/descendants—who will recount His story if He dies childless? Others see it meaning His contemporaries—who among His generation truly understood Him? Both capture the mystery: the Life-giver dies; the Eternal One has life taken from earth.
His life is taken from the earth seems final—death appeared victorious. Yet this apparent defeat accomplished salvation. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ's death as penal substitution—bearing God's wrath against sin. His 'life taken' provided life for His people. The prophecy's ambiguity about resurrection leaves room for Philip's explanation of Easter morning.