John 11:13

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰρήκει
spake
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#2
δὲ
Howbeit
but, and, etc
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
περὶ
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#6
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
θανάτου
death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#8
αὐτοῦ
his
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
ἐκεῖνοι
they
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#10
δὲ
Howbeit
but, and, etc
#11
ἔδοξαν
thought
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
#12
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
περὶ
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#14
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
κοιμήσεως
taking of rest
sleeping, i.e., (by implication) repose
#16
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ὕπνου
in sleep
sleep, i.e., (figuratively) spiritual torpor
#18
λέγει
he had spoken
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

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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