John 12:2

Authorized King James Version

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐποίησαν
they made
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#2
οὖν
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
αὐτῷ
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
δεῖπνον
a supper
dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)
#5
ἐκεῖ
There
there; by extension, thither
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Μάρθα
Martha
martha, a christian woman
#9
διηκόνει
served
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#12
Λάζαρος
Lazarus
lazarus (i.e., elazar), the name of two israelites
#13
εἷς
one
one
#14
ἦν
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#15
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
συνανακειμένων
of them that sat at the table
to recline in company with (at a meal)
#17
αὐτῷ
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

Analysis

The faith and obedience theme here intersects with the proper human response to divine revelation across Scripture. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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