Acts 9:24

Authorized King James Version

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐγνώσθη
was known
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Σαύλῳ
of Saul
saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐπιβουλὴ
laying await
a plan against someone, i.e., a plot
#7
αὐτὸν
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
#8
παρετηροῦν
they watched
to inspect alongside, i.e., note insidiously or scrupulously
#9
τε
And
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#10
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πύλας
the gates
a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)
#12
ἡμέρας
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#13
τε
And
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
νυκτὸς
night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#16
ὅπως
to
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#17
αὐτὸν
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
#18
ἀνέλωσιν·
kill
to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

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

Related Resources

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

People