John 1:51

Authorized King James Version

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

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

λέγω

G3004

I say

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

αὐτῷ

G846

unto 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

ἀμὴν

G281

Verily

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ἀμὴν

G281

Verily

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω

G3004

I say

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

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

ἀπ'

G575

Hereafter

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἄρτι

G737

just now

#10

ὄψεσθε

G3700

ye shall see

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

#11

τὸν

G3588

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

#12

οὐρανὸν

G3772

heaven

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

#13

ἀνεῳγότα

G455

open

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

τοὺς

G3588

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

#16

ἀγγέλους

G32

the angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

#17

τοῦ

G3588

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

#18

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#19

ἀναβαίνοντας

G305

ascending

to go up (literally or figuratively)

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#21

καταβαίνοντας

G2597

descending

to descend (literally or figuratively)

#22

ἐπὶ

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

#23

τὸν

G3588

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

#24

υἱὸν

G5207

the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#25

τοῦ

G3588

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

#26

ἀνθρώπου

G444

of man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

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John 1:51

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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