Acts 9:8

Authorized King James Version

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἠγέρθη
arose
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Σαῦλος
Saul
saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul
#5
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#6
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
γῆς
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#8
ἀνεῳγμένων
were opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#9
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#10
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ὀφθαλμῶν
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#12
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
#13
οὐδένα
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#14
ἔβλεπεν·
he saw
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#15
χειραγωγοῦντες
by the hand
to be a hand-leader, i.e., to guide (a blind person)
#16
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#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
εἰσήγαγον
and brought
to introduce (literally or figuratively)
#19
εἰς
him into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
Δαμασκόν
Damascus
damascus, a city of syria

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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