John 11:50

Authorized King James Version

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐδὲ
G3761
Nor
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#2
διαλογίζεσθε
G1260
consider
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
#3
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
συμφέρει
G4851
it is expedient
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
#5
ἡμῖν
G2254
for us
to (or for, with, by) us
#6
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#7
εἷς
G1520
one
one
#8
ἄνθρωπος
G444
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#9
ἀποθάνῃ
G599
should die
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#10
ὑπὲρ
G5228
for
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#11
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
λαοῦ
G2992
the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
ὅλον
G3650
that the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#16
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἔθνος
G1484
nation
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#18
ἀπόληται
G622
perish
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of covenant community 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

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 divine love 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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