Acts 9:6

Authorized King James Version

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Τρέμων

G5141

he trembling

to "tremble" or fear

τε

G5037

And

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ

G2532

And

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

θαμβῶν

G2284

astonished

to stupefy (with surprise), i.e., astound

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

κύριος

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

μέ

G3165

θέλεις

G2309

wilt thou have

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#10

ποιεῖν

G4160

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

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

ὅ

G3588

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

#13

κύριος

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#14

πρός

G4314

said unto

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,

#15

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

#16

ἀνάστηθι

G450

Arise

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

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

εἴσελθε

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

#19

εἰς

G1519

into

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

#20

τὴν

G3588

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

#21

πόλιν

G4172

the city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#22

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#23

λαληθήσεταί

G2980

it shall be told

to talk, i.e., utter words

#24

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#25

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#26

σε

G4571

thou

thee

#27

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#28

ποιεῖν

G4160

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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

People

Peter
Paul