Hebrews 12:22

Authorized King James Version

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλὰ
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
προσεληλύθατε
ye are come
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#3
Σιὼν
Sion
sion (i.e., tsijon), a hill of jerusalem; figuratively, the church (militant or triumphant)
#4
ὄρει
unto mount
a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
πόλει
unto the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#7
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#8
ζῶντος
of the living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#9
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
#10
ἐπουρανίῳ
the heavenly
above the sky
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
μυριάσιν
to an innumerable company
a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number
#13
ἀγγέλων
G32
of angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

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 sovereignty 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

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 Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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