Acts 9:39

Authorized King James Version

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀναστὰς

G450

arose

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

δὲ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

Πέτρος

G4074

Peter

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

συνῆλθεν

G4905

and went with

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

αὐτῶν

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

ὃν

G3739

When he

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγενόμενον

G3854

was come

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

ἀνήγαγον

G321

they brought him

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

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

ὑπερῷον

G5253

the upper chamber

a higher part of the house, i.e., apartment in the third story

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

παρέστησαν

G3936

stood by

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

#14

αὐτῶν

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

#15

πᾶσαι

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#16

αἱ

G3588

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

#17

χῆραι

G5503

the widows

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

#18

κλαίουσαι

G2799

weeping

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

ἐπιδεικνύμεναι

G1925

shewing

to exhibit (physically or mentally)

#21

χιτῶνας

G5509

the coats

a tunic or shirt

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

ἱμάτια

G2440

garments

a dress (inner or outer)

#24

ὅσα

G3745

which

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

#25

ἐποίει

G4160

made

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#26

μετ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#27

αὐτῶν

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

#28

οὖσα

G5607

while she was

being

#29

ἡ

G3588

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

#30

Δορκάς

G1393

Dorcas

gazelle; dorcas, a christian woman

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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

People

Peter
Paul