John 1:32

Authorized King James Version

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμαρτύρησεν

G3140

bare record

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

Ἰωάννης

G2491

John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

λέγων

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Τεθέαμαι

G2300

I saw

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα

G4151

the Spirit

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

καταβαῖνον

G2597

descending

to descend (literally or figuratively)

#10

ὡσεὶ

G5616

as if

#11

περιστερὰν

G4058

a dove

a pigeon

#12

ἐξ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#13

οὐρανοῦ

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἔμεινεν

G3306

it abode

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

#16

ἐπ'

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#17

αὐτόν

G846

him

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

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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John 1:32

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources