2 Corinthians 11:32

Authorized King James Version

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
Δαμασκῷ
Damascus
damascus, a city of syria
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἐθνάρχης
the governor
the governor (not king) of a district
#5
Ἁρέτα
under Aretas
aretas, an arabian
#6
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
βασιλέως
the king
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#8
ἐφρούρει
kept
to be a watcher in advance, i.e., to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect
#9
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Δαμασκηνῶν
of the Damascenes
a damascene or inhabitant of damascus
#11
πόλιν
the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#12
πιάσαι
to apprehend
to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))
#13
με
me
me
#14
θέλων·
desirous
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection