Hebrews 11:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διὸ
Therefore
through which thing, i.e., consequently
#2
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#3
ἀφ'
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#4
ἑνὸς
one
one
#5
ἐγεννήθησαν
sprang there
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ταῦτα
him
these things
#8
νενεκρωμένου
as good as dead
to deaden, i.e., (figuratively) to subdue
#9
καθὼς
so many as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#10
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἄστρα
the stars
properly, a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial)
#12
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
οὐρανοῦ
of the sky
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#14
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πλήθει
in multitude
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ὡσεὶ
as
as if
#18
ἄμμος
the sand
sand (as heaped on the beach)
#19
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
παρὰ
is by
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#21
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
χεῖλος
shore
a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)
#23
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
θαλάσσης
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#25
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ἀναρίθμητος
innumerable
unnumbered, i.e., without number

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hebrews. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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