John 10:18

Authorized King James Version

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐδεὶς

G3762

No man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

αἴρει

G142

taketh

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

αὐτήν·

G846

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

ἀπ'

G575

from

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

ἐμοῦ

G1700

of me

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

θεῖναι

G5087

down

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

αὐτήν·

G846

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

#10

ἀπ'

G575

from

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

#11

ἐμαυτοῦ

G1683

myself

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

#12

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#13

ἔχω

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#14

θεῖναι

G5087

down

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

#15

αὐτήν·

G846

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

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#18

ἔχω

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#19

πάλιν

G3825

again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

#20

ἔλαβον

G2983

have I received

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#21

αὐτήν·

G846

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

#22

ταύτην

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#23

τὴν

G3588

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

#24

ἐντολὴν

G1785

commandment

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

#25

ἔλαβον

G2983

have I received

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#26

παρὰ

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#27

τοῦ

G3588

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

#28

πατρός

G3962

Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#29

μου

G3450

of me

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?

Related Resources

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John 10:18

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources