1 Corinthians 16:3

Authorized King James Version

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
παραγένωμαι
I come
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
#4
οὓς
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#5
ἐὰν
whomsoever
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#6
δοκιμάσητε
ye shall approve
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
#7
δι'
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#8
ἐπιστολῶν
your letters
a written message
#9
τούτους
them
these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)
#10
πέμψω
will I send
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
#11
ἀπενεγκεῖν
to bring
to bear off (literally or relatively)
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
χάριν
liberality
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#14
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#15
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
Ἰερουσαλήμ·
Jerusalem
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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