Acts 17:27

17:27 so that they would search for God and perhaps grope around ¹  for him and find him, ²  though he is ³  not far from each one of us.

¹ tn See BDAG 1097-98 s.v. ψηλαφάω, which lists “touch, handle” and “to feel around for, grope for” as possible meanings.

² sn Perhaps grope around for him and find him. The pagans’ struggle to know God is the point here. Conscience alone is not good enough.

³ tn The participle ὑπάρχοντα (Juparconta) has been translated as a concessive adverbial participle.