Act 16:25 | RWP | e4.org | About midnight ( κατα δε μεσονυκτιον ). Middle of the night, old adjective seen already in ; which see. Were praying and singing ( προσευχομενο υμνουν ). Present middle participle and imperfect active indicative: Praying they were singing (simultaneously, blending together petition and praise). Hυμνεω is an old verb from υμνος (cf. ; ). Paul and Silas probably used portions of the Psalms (cf. ., .; .) with occasional original outbursts of praise. Were listening to them ( επηκροωντο αυτων ). Imperfect middle of επακροαομα . Rare verb to listen with pleasure as to a recitation or music (Page). It was a new experience for the prisoners and wondrously attractive entertainment to them.

‏ Acts 16:25

About midnight ( κατα δε μεσονυκτιον ). Middle of the night, old adjective seen already in Mr 13:35; Lu 11:5 which see.

Were praying and singing ( προσευχομενο υμνουν ). Present middle participle and imperfect active indicative: Praying they were singing (simultaneously, blending together petition and praise). Hυμνεω is an old verb from υμνος (cf. Isa 12:4; Da 3:23). Paul and Silas probably used portions of the Psalms (cf. Lu 1:39f.,67f.; 2:28f.) with occasional original outbursts of praise.

Were listening to them ( επηκροωντο αυτων ). Imperfect middle of επακροαομα. Rare verb to listen with pleasure as to a recitation or music (Page). It was a new experience for the prisoners and wondrously attractive entertainment to them.