King James Version

What Does Acts 6:1 Mean?

Acts 6:1 in the King James Version says “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Acts 6:1 · KJV


Context

1

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'Grecians' (Hellenistic Jews) murmured against 'Hebrews' (Aramaic-speaking Jews) over widow care. Internal church conflict arose from cultural division. The 'daily ministration' indicates organized charitable distribution. This first recorded church conflict reveals that community life faces practical challenges.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hellenistic Jews were Greek-speaking diaspora Jews who had returned to Jerusalem. Cultural and linguistic differences created potential friction even among believers. Widow care was a Jewish communal responsibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do cultural differences within the church create potential for conflict?
  2. What does organized 'daily ministration' teach about systematic care for the vulnerable?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἐν1 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῖς3 of 25
G3588

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

ἡμέραις4 of 25

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ταύταις5 of 25
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

πληθυνόντων6 of 25

was multiplied

G4129

to increase (transitively or intransitively)

τῶν7 of 25
G3588

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

μαθητῶν8 of 25

of the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐγένετο9 of 25

there arose

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

γογγυσμὸς10 of 25

a murmuring

G1112

a grumbling

τῶν11 of 25
G3588

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

Ἑλληνιστῶν12 of 25

of the Grecians

G1675

a hellenist or greek-speaking jew

πρὸς13 of 25

against

G4314

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,

τοὺς14 of 25
G3588

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

Ἑβραίους15 of 25

the Hebrews

G1445

a hebraean (i.e., hebrew) or jew

ὅτι16 of 25

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

παρεθεωροῦντο17 of 25

were neglected

G3865

to overlook or disregard

ἐν18 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ19 of 25
G3588

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

διακονίᾳ20 of 25

ministration

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

τῇ21 of 25
G3588

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

καθημερινῇ22 of 25

the daily

G2522

quotidian

αἱ23 of 25
G3588

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

χῆραι24 of 25

widows

G5503

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

αὐτῶν25 of 25

their

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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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