John 10:24

Authorized King James Version

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐκύκλωσαν
came
to encircle, i.e., surround
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
αὐτῷ
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
#4
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Ἰουδαῖοι
the Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ἔλεγον
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
αὐτῷ
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
#9
Ἕως
How long
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#10
πότε
interrogative adverb, at what time
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ψυχὴν
to doubt
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#13
ἡμῶν
us
of (or from) us
#14
αἴρεις
dost thou make
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
#15
εἰ
If
if, whether, that, etc
#16
σὺ
thou
thou
#17
εἶ
be
thou art
#18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
Χριστός
the Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#20
εἰπὲ
tell
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#21
ἡμῖν
us
to (or for, with, by) us
#22
παῤῥησίᾳ
plainly
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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