John 1:27

Authorized King James Version

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
αὐτοῦ
He
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#2
ἐστιν
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ὀπίσω
after
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
#5
μου
me
of me
#6
ἐρχόμενος
coming
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
οὗ
who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
ἔμπροσθέν
before
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
#9
μου
me
of me
#10
γέγονεν·
is preferred
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#11
οὗ
who
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#13
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
εἰμὶ
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#15
ἄξιος
worthy
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#16
ἵνα
to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#17
λύσω
unloose
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#18
αὐτοῦ
He
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#19
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἱμάντα
latchet
a strap, i.e., (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge)
#21
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ὑποδήματος
shoe's
something bound under the feet, i.e., a shoe or sandal

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to John's theological argument.

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 divine love within the theological tradition of John 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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