Hebrews 12:9

Authorized King James Version

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶτα
Furthermore
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
#2
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
μὲν
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#4
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
σαρκὸς
flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#6
ἡμῶν
of our
of (or from) us
#7
πατρὶ
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#8
εἴχομεν
we have had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#9
παιδευτὰς
which corrected
a trainer, i.e., teacher or (by implication) discipliner
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐνετρεπόμεθα·
we gave them reverence
to invert, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound
#12
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
πολλῷ
much
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#14
μᾶλλον
rather
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#15
ὑποταγησόμεθα
be in subjection
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
#16
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πατρὶ
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#18
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πνευμάτων
of spirits
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#20
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ζήσομεν
live
to live (literally or figuratively)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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