John 12:14

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εὑρὼν
when he had found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#2
δὲ
And
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
ὀνάριον
a young ass
a little ass
#6
ἐκάθισεν
sat
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#7
ἐπ'
thereon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
αὐτό
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
καθώς
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#10
ἐστιν
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#11
γεγραμμένον
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

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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