Acts 9:2

Authorized King James Version

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ᾐτήσατο
And desired
to ask (in genitive case)
#2
παρ'
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#3
αὐτοῦ
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
#4
ἐπιστολὰς
letters
a written message
#5
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#6
Δαμασκὸν
Damascus
damascus, a city of syria
#7
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#8
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
συναγωγάς
the synagogues
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
#10
ὅπως
that
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#11
ἐάν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#12
τινας
any
some or any person or object
#13
εὕρῃ
he found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#14
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ὁδοῦ
of this way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#16
ὄντας
they were
being
#17
ἄνδρας
men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#18
τε
whether
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#19
καὶ
or
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
γυναῖκας
women
a woman; specially, a wife
#21
δεδεμένους
bound
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#22
ἀγάγῃ
G71
he might bring them
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
#23
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#24
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

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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