King James Version

What Does Acts 10:7 Mean?

Acts 10:7 in the King James Version says “And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldie... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

Acts 10:7 · KJV


Context

5

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

7

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

9

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cornelius 'called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier' - immediately obeying the vision. His household's shared devotion indicated family religion. The 'devout soldier' suggests Cornelius influenced those under his command spiritually.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman households included slaves and servants who often shared their master's religious practices. Cornelius's spiritual influence extended throughout his sphere of authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Cornelius model immediate obedience to divine direction?
  2. What does his household's shared devotion teach about spiritual influence in homes and workplaces?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὡς1 of 20

when

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 20

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπῆλθεν3 of 20

was departed

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

τῶν4 of 20

which

G3588

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

ἄγγελος5 of 20

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τῶν6 of 20

which

G3588

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

λαλῶν7 of 20

spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τῶν8 of 20

which

G3588

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

Κορνηλίῳ,9 of 20

unto Cornelius

G2883

cornelius, a roman

φωνήσας10 of 20

he called

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

δύο11 of 20

two

G1417

"two"

τῶν12 of 20

which

G3588

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

οἰκετῶν13 of 20

household servants

G3610

a fellow resident, i.e., menial domestic

αὐτῷ14 of 20

him

G846

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

καὶ15 of 20

and

G2532

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

στρατιώτην16 of 20

soldier

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

εὐσεβῆ17 of 20

a devout

G2152

well-reverent, i.e., pious

τῶν18 of 20

which

G3588

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

προσκαρτερούντων19 of 20

continually

G4342

to be earnest towards, i.e., (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a pers

αὐτῷ20 of 20

him

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 10:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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