John 12:35

Authorized King James Version

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
αὐτοῖς
unto them
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
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#6
Ἔτι
Yet
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#7
μικρὸν
a little
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
#8
χρόνον
while
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
#9
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
φῶς
the light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#11
μεθ''
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#12
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you
#13
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#14
περιπατῶν
Walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#15
ἕως
while
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#16
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
φῶς
the light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#18
ἔχετε
ye have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#19
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#20
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#21
σκοτίᾳ
darkness
dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#22
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#23
καταλάβῃ·
come upon
to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)
#24
καὶ
for
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
περιπατῶν
Walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#27
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#28
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
σκοτίᾳ
darkness
dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#30
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#31
οἶδεν
knoweth
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#32
ποῦ
whither
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
#33
ὑπάγει
he goeth
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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