John 1:9

Authorized King James Version

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἦν
That was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#2
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
φῶς
Light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#4
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀληθινόν
the true
truthful
#6
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
φωτίζει
lighteth
to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)
#8
πάντα
every man
all, any, every, the whole
#9
ἄνθρωπον
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
ἐρχόμενον
that cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
κόσμον
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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