John 10:38

Authorized King James Version

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ποιῶ
G4160
I do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#4
κἂν
G2579
though
and (or even) if
#5
ἐμοὶ
G1698
me
to me
#6
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#7
πιστεύσητε
G4100
believe
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#8
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἔργοις
G2041
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#10
πιστεύσητε
G4100
believe
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#11
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#12
γνῶτε
G1097
ye may know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
πιστεύσητε
G4100
believe
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#15
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
ἐμοὶ
G1698
me
to me
#18
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πατὴρ
G3962
the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#20
κἀγὼ
G2504
and I
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
αὐτῷ
G846
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

Analysis

The faith and obedience theme here intersects with the proper human response to divine revelation across Scripture. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 faith and obedience 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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