Tag Archives: ἐξετίθετο

Introduction: Unfolding the Account

Acts 11:4 says:

Ἀρξάμενος δὲ ὁ Πέτρος ἐξετίθετο αὐτοῖς καθεξῆς, λέγων· “But Peter, having begun, began to explain to them in order, saying…”

The main verb here is ἐξετίθετο {exetítheto}, from ἐκτίθημι {ektíthēmi}, meaning “to set forth, to explain, to lay out systematically.” The imperfect middle indicative form is rich with nuance, portraying continuous, personal, and deliberate exposition. Luke employs this verb in settings that involve careful explanation, reasoned defense, or theological instruction.

Morphological and Semantic Breakdown ἐξετίθετο {exetítheto} – Root: ἐκτίθημι {ektíthēmi}; Form: imperfect middle indicative, 3rd person singular; Tense: imperfect (past, ongoing action); Voice: middle (emphasizes the subject’s engagement in the act); Mood: indicative (factual); Translation: “he was explaining,” “he laid out.”… Learn Koine Greek