Acts 8:36

Authorized King James Version

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ἐπορεύοντο

G4198

they went

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν

G3588

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

ὁδόν

G3598

their way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἦλθον

G2064

they came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπί

G1909

unto

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τι

G5100

a certain

some or any person or object

#10

ὕδωρ·

G5204

here is water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#11

καί

G2532

and

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

#12

φησιν

G5346

said

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

#13

ὁ

G3588

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

#14

εὐνοῦχος

G2135

the eunuch

a castrated person (such being employed in middle eastern bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (sta

#15

Ἰδού,

G2400

See

used as imperative lo!

#16

ὕδωρ·

G5204

here is water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#17

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#18

κωλύει

G2967

doth hinder

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

#19

με

G3165

#20

βαπτισθῆναι

G907

to be baptized

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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