Hebrews 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καίπερ
Though
and indeed, i.e., nevertheless or notwithstanding
#2
ὢν
he were
being
#3
υἱὸς
a Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#4
ἔμαθεν
yet learned he
to learn (in any way)
#5
ἀφ'
by
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#6
ὧν
the things which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἔπαθεν
he suffered
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
#8
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὑπακοήν
obedience
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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