John 10:6

Authorized King James Version

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ταύτην
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
παροιμίαν
parable
apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e., (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration
#4
εἶπεν
spake
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#5
αὐτοῖς
unto them
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
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#8
ἐκεῖνοι
they
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#9
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#10
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
ἔγνωσαν
understood
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#12
τίνα
what things
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#13
ἦν
they were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#14
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#15
ἐλάλει
he spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#16
αὐτοῖς
unto them
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

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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