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Acts 3:3

Acts 3:3 in Multiple Translations

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.

He then, seeing Peter and John going into the Temple, made a request to them.

He saw Peter and John as they were about to enter the Temple and asked them for some money.

Who seeing Peter and Iohn, that they would enter into the Temple, desired to receiue an almes.

who, having seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, was begging to receive a kindness.

Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.

Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms.

He, when he had seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.

As Peter and John were about to enter the Temple courtyard, the lame man saw them and asked them several times to give him some money. (OR, The lame man said to them several times, “Please give me some money!”)

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 3:3

BAB
Word Study

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Acts 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ος ιδων πετρον και ιωαννην μελλοντας εισιεναι εις το ιερον ηρωτα ελεημοσυνην
ος hos, hē G3739 which Rel-NSM
ιδων horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAP-NSM
πετρον Petros G4074 [mother-in-law of Peter] Noun-ASM
και kai G2532 and Conj
ιωαννην Iōannēs G2491 John Noun-ASM
μελλοντας mellō G3195 to ensue Verb-PAP-APM
εισιεναι eiseimi G1524 to enter Verb-PAN
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
ιερον hieros G2411 temple Noun-ASN
ηρωτα erōtaō G2065 to ask Verb-IAI-3S
ελεημοσυνην eleēmosunē G1654 charity Noun-ASF
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 3:3

ος hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-NSM
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
ιδων horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAP-NSM
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
πετρον Petros G4074 "[mother-in-law of Peter]" Noun-ASM
This is the name Peter, which means a rock or stone. Jesus gave this name to Simon, one of his apostles, in Matthew 16:18. Peter became a key leader in the early Christian church.
Definition: Πέτρος, -ου, ὁ (i.e. a stone, see: πέτρα, Κηφᾶς), Simon Peter, the Apostle: Mat.4:18 10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.5:8, Jhn.1:41, 43, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: Peter, rock See also: 1 Peter 1:1; John 18:17; Matthew 26:75.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ιωαννην Iōannēs G2491 "John" Noun-ASM
John refers to several important figures in the Bible, including John the Baptist and John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. John the Baptist is mentioned in Matthew 3:1 and John the Apostle in Matthew 4:21.
Definition: Ἰωάνης (Rec. ννης, which see; cf. Dalman, Gr., 142; Tdf., Pr., 79; WH, App., 159; Bl., §3, 10; 10, 2), -ου, dative, -ῃ (but in Mat.11:4. Luk.7:18, 22 Rev.1:1, ει), accusative, -ην, ὁ (Heb. יוֹחָנָן, LXX: Ἰωανάν, 2Ch.23:1, al.; -ννάν, Je 47 (40):8, al., Aq.), Hellenized form of Ἰωανάν, John ( I Est.8:38(41)*), viz., __1. John the Baptist: Mat.3:1, al. __2. John the Apostle, son of Zebedee: Mat.4:21, Mrk.1:19, Luk.5:10, Act.1:13, al. __3. The father of St. Peter: Jhn.1:43 21:15-17. __4. John surnamed Mark: Act.12:12, 25 13:5, 13 15:37. __5. The writer of the Apocalypse, traditionally identified with 2: Rev.1:1, 4 9. Ἰωάννης (D, Ἰωνάθας; see MM, Exp., XV; Bl., §10, 2), ὁ, John: Act.4:6 13:5, Tr., WH, Rev.22:8 (cf. Ἰωάνης).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 128 NT verses. KJV: John See also: Acts 1:5; Luke 9:19; Revelation 1:1.
μελλοντας mellō G3195 "to ensue" Verb-PAP-APM
To ensue means to be about to happen or to intend to do something, like when Jesus was about to suffer in Matthew 2:13. It involves a sense of purpose or duty. The Bible uses this concept to describe events that are going to occur, like in Acts 3:3 and Hebrews 8:5.
Definition: μέλλω, [in LXX: Job.3:8 (עָתִיד) 19:25 (אַחֲרוֹן); elsewhere for fut., and frequently in Wi, II, 4Mac ;] to be about to be or do; __1. with inf. (Bl., §62, 4; 68, 2; M, Pr., 114); __(a) of intending or being about to do of one's own free will: with inf. praes., Mat.2:13, Luk.10:1, Act.3:3 5:35, Heb.8:5, 2Pe.1:12 (Field, Notes, 240), al.; with inf. aor. (Bl., §58, 3), Act.12:6, Rev.3:16; __(b) of compulsion, necessity or certainty: with inf. praes., Mat.16:27, Luk.9:31, Jhn.6:71, Rom.4:24, al.; with inf. aor., Rom.8:18, Gal.3:23, Rev.3:2 12:4. __2. Ptcp., ὁ μέλλων: absol., Rom.8:38, 1Co.3:22; τὰ μ., Col.2:17; εἰς τὸ μ. (Field, Notes, 65); with subst., Mat.3:7 12:32 (ὁ αἰὼν ὁ μ.; LXX for עַד), Act.24:25, 1Ti.4:8, Heb.2:5, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 108 NT verses. KJV: about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Hebrews 11:20; 1 Peter 5:1.
εισιεναι eiseimi G1524 "to enter" Verb-PAN
To enter or go into a place, as seen in Acts 3:3 and Hebrews 9:6, where it describes entering the temple or a sacred area. It's about moving into a new space or situation.
Definition: εἴσ-ειμι [in LXX for בּוֹא ;] to go in, enter: before εἰς, Act.3:3 21:26, Heb.9:6; πρὸς Ἰάκωβον, Act.21:18.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: enter (go) into See also: Acts 3:3; Acts 21:26; Hebrews 9:6.
εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep
This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.
Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ιερον hieros G2411 "temple" Noun-ASN
The Greek word for temple refers to a sacred place, like the Temple in Jerusalem. It includes the entire area, not just the central sanctuary. In the Bible, it appears in 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy.
Definition: ἱερός, -ά, όν [in LXX: Eze.28:18 (מִקְדָּשׁ); τό ἱ, 1Ch.29:4 (בַּיִת), Eze.45:19 (עֲזָרָה); very frequently in I Est.1:1-58 -4 Mac ;] __1. in Hom., marvellous, mighty, divine. __2. (Also in Hom, and later cl.) consecrated to the deity, sacred: pl., ἱ. γράμματα, 2Ti.3:15. __3. As subst., __(a) (so in Hom.), τὰ ἱ., sacrifices, sacred rites, sacred things: 1Co.9:13; __(b) later, τὸ ἱ.,., a consecrated or sacred place, a temple: τ. Ἀρτέμιδος, Act.19:27; of the temple at Jerusalem, i.e. the entire precincts or some part thereof (as distinct from ὁ ναός, which see, the Sanctuary proper): 1Co.9:13, and frequently in Gosp. and esp. in Ac, Mat.12:6, Mrk.13:3, Act.4:1, al. (on the use of ἱ. in Imperial Iuser., see Deiss., LAE, 380 f.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: temple See also: 1 Corinthians 9:13; John 10:23; Matthew 26:55.
ηρωτα erōtaō G2065 "to ask" Verb-IAI-3S
To ask or request something, used in the Bible when Jesus is questioned by others, like in Luke 19:31 and John 8:7. It can also mean to pray or beseech. The KJV translates it as ask, beseech, or pray.
Definition: ἐρωτάω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for שָׁאַל ;] __1. to ask, question (cl.): absol., Luk.19:31 22:68, Jhn.8:7 with accusative of person(s), Jhn.9:21 16:19, 30 8:21; before λέγων, Mat.16:13, Luk.23:3, Jhn.1:19, 21 5:12 9:19 16:5; with dupl. accusative (WM, § 32, 4a), Mat.21:24, Mrk.4:10, Luk.20:3, Jhn.16:23 (M, Pr., 66„); with accusative of person(s), before περί, Luk.9:45, Jhn.18:19. __2. In late Gk. (Milligan, NTD, 51; not, as Cremer, 716, Thayer, see word, a "Hebraism"), = αἰτέω (which see), to ask, request: with accusative of person(s), Jhn.14:16; before imperat., Luk.14:18-19 Php.4:3; λέγων, Mat.15:23, Jhn.12:21; before ἵνα (M, Pr., 208), Mrk.7:26, Luk.7:36 16:27, Jhn.4:47 17:15 19:31, 38, 1Th.4:1, 2Jn.5; ὅπως, Luk.7:3 11:37, Act.23:20; with inf., Luk.5:3 8:37, Jhn.4:40, Act.3:3 10:48 23:18, 1Th.5:12; with accusative of person(s), before περί, Luk.4:38 Jhn.17:9, 20, 1Jn.5:16; ὑπέρ, 2Th.2:1-2; τὰ (WH, txt., om. τὰ) πρὸς εἰρήνην, Luk.14:32 (cf. δι-, ἐπ-ερωτάω) SYN.: see: αἰτέω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray See also: 1 John 5:16; John 16:23; Philippians 4:3.
ελεημοσυνην eleēmosunē G1654 "charity" Noun-ASF
Charity or almsgiving, like the good deeds done by Tabitha in Acts 9:36. It refers to acts of kindness and generosity towards the poor.
Definition: ἐλεημοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (ἐλεέω), [in LXX chiefly for חֶסֶד, צְדָקָה ;] __1. mercy, pity. __2. almsgiving, alms (like the German Almosen, a corruption of the Greek word ἐ): Mat.6:4; ποιεῖν ἐ., Mat.6:2-3, Act.9:36 10:2 24:17; ἐ. διδόναι, Luk.11:41 (cf. Mat.23:36; Dalman, Words, 62 f.) 12:33; αἰτεῖν, Act.3:2; λαβεῖν, Act.3:3; πρὸς (in order to ask) ἐ., Act.3:10; pl., Act.10:4, 31 (Cremer, 711).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: alms(-deeds) See also: Acts 3:2; Acts 24:17; Matthew 6:4.

Study Notes — Acts 3:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Acts 3:3 Summary

This verse shows a man who was lame from birth asking Peter and John for money as they entered the temple. He was a beggar and relied on the charity of others to survive, which is a sad reality for many people, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11. The man's actions demonstrate his awareness of his physical needs, but also reveal his lack of understanding of his spiritual needs, which is a common theme in the Bible, such as in John 6:35, where Jesus teaches that He is the bread of life. As we reflect on this verse, we can consider how we can show kindness and compassion to those in need, while also pointing them to the ultimate source of help and sustenance, which is God Himself, as seen in Psalm 34:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the lame man ask Peter and John for money?

The lame man asked Peter and John for money because he was a beggar, and it was his usual practice to ask for alms from those entering the temple courts, as seen in Acts 3:2. This was likely his only means of support, as he was lame from birth and unable to work.

What can we learn from the lame man's actions in this verse?

We can learn that the lame man was aware of his need and was not afraid to ask for help, which is a principle taught in the Bible, such as in Matthew 7:7-8, where we are encouraged to ask and seek from God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?

This verse shows that the lame man's initial trust was in human beings for his physical needs, rather than in God, which is a common struggle for many people, as seen in Psalm 20:7, where trust in chariots and horses is contrasted with trust in the name of the Lord our God.

What can we infer about the lame man's spiritual state from this verse?

From this verse, we can infer that the lame man may not have had a deep understanding of his spiritual needs or the power of God to transform his life, which is a common theme in the Bible, such as in Ephesians 1:18, where the apostle Paul prays for the eyes of the heart to be enlightened to know the hope of God's calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am looking to others for help, rather than to God?
  2. How can I, like the lame man, acknowledge my needs and ask for help, while also trusting in God's provision?
  3. What are some ways that I can show kindness and compassion to those in need, as Peter and John did in this passage?
  4. How can I apply the principle of asking and seeking from God, as taught in Matthew 7:7-8, to my own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 3:3

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple,.... Just as they were entering through the gate at which he lay, he looked at them; and though they were strangers to him, he concluded they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 3:3

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 3:3

Seeing, though lame: every one hath something that is truly valuable, and matter of praise and thanks unto God.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 3:3

3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. Ver. 3. Asked an alms] The Dutch beggars ask not, but look pitifully.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 3:3

3. asked an alms] Alms is singular number, and was in early times spelt almesse, which is derived from the Greek ἐλεημοσύνη, which in German becomes Almosen = a gift of charity.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 3:3

Who, seeing Peter ... - There is no evidence that he was acquainted with them or knew who they were. He asked of them as he was accustomed to do of the multitude that entered the temple.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 3:3

3. About to go in—He lay, therefore, on the chel outside the gate. This platform, chel, really extended entirely round the temple, and was the standing-place in time of war for a line of soldiery.

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