The Verse in Focus (Acts 20:8)
ἦσαν δὲ λαμπάδες ἱκαναὶ ἐν τῷ ὑπερῴῳ οὗ ἦμεν συνηγμένοι
ἦσαν δὲ λαμπάδες ἱκαναὶ: Sufficient Light
ἦσαν — imperfect active indicative of εἰμί, “they were.”
δὲ — mild connective, “and” or “now,” continuing the narrative.
λαμπάδες — plural of λαμπάς, meaning “torches” or “lamps.”
ἱκαναὶ — nominative feminine plural adjective, meaning “many” or “sufficient” — capable in number or quality.
This phrase sets the physical scene: the room was well-lit, suggesting readiness for an important gathering, even though it was night (as Acts 20:7 indicates).
ἐν τῷ ὑπερῴῳ: The Upper Room
ἐν — preposition indicating location: “in.”
τῷ ὑπερῴῳ — “the upper room,” a term for the upper floor or guest room of a house, often used for gatherings.
This setting echoes other significant moments (such as the Last Supper). Upper rooms in ancient homes were often larger and more private, making them ideal for Christian assemblies.
οὗ ἦμεν συνηγμένοι: We Were Gathered Together
οὗ — relative pronoun, “where,” referring back to the upper room.
ἦμεν — imperfect active indicative of εἰμί, “we were.”
συνηγμένοι — perfect passive participle of συνάγω, “having been gathered.”
The perfect participle συνηγμένοι indicates a completed action with continuing relevance — the group had already assembled and remained together. The use of the imperfect ἦμεν with the participle paints a picture of continuous communal presence.
The Grammar of Sacred Gathering
Acts 20:8 uses vivid and simple Greek to capture the atmosphere: many lamps (λαμπάδες ἱκαναὶ) in an upper room (ἐν τῷ ὑπερῴῳ), where the disciples were gathered together (συνηγμένοι). The imperfect verbs ἦσαν and ἦμεν frame an ongoing reality — a community assembled, a space prepared, a night of teaching and fellowship ahead. Greek syntax here does not merely inform — it immerses us into the unfolding sacred story.
