John 11:48

Authorized King James Version

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐὰν
G1437
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
ἀφῶμεν
G863
alone
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#3
αὐτόν
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
#4
οὕτως
G3779
thus
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#5
πάντες
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#6
πιστεύσουσιν
G4100
men will 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
#7
εἰς
G1519
on
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
αὐτόν
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
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἐλεύσονται
G2064
shall come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
Ῥωμαῖοι
G4514
the Romans
romaean, i.e., roman (as noun)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἀροῦσιν
G142
take away
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
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
τόπον
G5117
place
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἔθνος
G1484
nation
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Analysis

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to John. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of faith and obedience within biblical theology. 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

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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