Acts 13:36For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers, and saw decay.
The setting
Pisidian Antioch, modern-day Turkey, ~47 AD. Paul preaches in the synagogue to Jews and God-fearers...
The emotion here: passionate teacher building an argument
The original word
koimaō (ἐκοιμήθη) — literally 'fell asleep,' the gentle Christian term for death
Why it matters
David's tomb was still visible in Jerusalem during Paul's time, proving his decay
Read with care
What most readers miss in Acts 13:36
Paul is setting up a contrast — David served but still died and decayed
Common misconceptionThis isn't about David being less important than Jesus. Paul is honoring David while proving even great kings die — only Jesus conquered death.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Acts 13:36
Bible Genome reading
Acts 13:36 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Acts 13:36 comes from the book of Acts, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the letter genre of biblical literature. Key themes include mortality, service. Notable phrases: served the counsel of God; fell asleep; saw decay.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Acts 13:36 mean to you, today?
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