Acts 8:38

Authorized King James Version

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

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

ἐκέλευσεν

G2753

he commanded

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

στῆναι

G2476

to stand still

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

τὸ

G3588

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

ἅρμα

G716

the chariot

a chariot (as raised or fitted together (compare g0719))

καὶ

G2532

And

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

κατέβησαν

G2597

they went down

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἀμφότεροι

G297

both

(in plural) both

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#10

τὸ

G3588

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

#11

ὕδωρ

G5204

the water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#12

ὅ

G3588

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

#13

τε

G5037

both

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#14

Φίλιππος

G5376

Philip

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

ὁ

G3588

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

#17

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#19

ἐβάπτισεν

G907

he 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

#20

αὐτόν

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

People

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