King James Version
Acts 28:3 in the King James Version says “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fasten...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.”
Acts 28:3 · KJV
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“when Paul”
G3972(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“them on”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
“out of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“hand”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
“his”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
Acts 28:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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