Acts 9:37

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
her in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἡμέραις
days
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
#6
ἐκείναις
those
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#7
ἀσθενήσασαν
that she was sick
to be feeble (in any sense)
#8
αὐτὴν
they
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
#9
ἀποθανεῖν·
and died
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#10
λούσαντες
had washed
to bathe (the whole person; whereas g3538 means to wet a part only, and g4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively)
#11
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#12
αὐτὴν
they
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
#13
ἔθηκαν
they laid
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#14
ἐν
her in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
ὑπερῴῳ
an upper chamber
a higher part of the house, i.e., apartment in the third story

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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