John 1:6

Authorized King James Version

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγένετο
There was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
ἄνθρωπος
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#3
ἀπεσταλμένος
sent
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
#4
παρὰ
from
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#5
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
ὄνομα
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#7
αὐτῷ
whose
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
#8
Ἰωάννης·
was John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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