1 Corinthians 2:9

Authorized King James Version

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται

G1125

it is written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἃ

G3739

the things which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὀφθαλμὸς

G3788

Eye

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἶδεν

G1492

hath

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

neither

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὖς

G3775

ear

the ear (physically or mentally)

#10

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#11

ἤκουσεν

G191

heard

to hear (in various senses)

#12

καὶ

G2532

neither

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἐπὶ

G1909

into

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

καρδίαν

G2588

the heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#15

ἀνθρώπου

G444

of man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#16

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#17

ἀνέβη

G305

have entered

to go up (literally or figuratively)

#18

ἃ

G3739

the things which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#19

ἡτοίμασεν

G2090

hath prepared

to prepare

#20

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#22

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

ἀγαπῶσιν

G25

for them that love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

#24

αὐτόν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character 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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Topics

Love