John 12:36

Authorized King James Version

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἕως
G2193
While
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#2
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
φωτὸς
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#4
ἔχετε
G2192
ye have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#5
πιστεύετε
G4100
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
#6
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#7
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φωτὸς
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#9
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
υἱοὶ
G5207
the children
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#11
φωτὸς
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#12
γένησθε
G1096
ye may be
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
Ταῦτα
G5023
These things
these things
#14
ἐλάλησεν
G2980
spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#15
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἀπελθὼν
G565
and departed
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#19
ἐκρύβη
G2928
did hide himself
to conceal (properly, by covering)
#20
ἀπ'
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#21
αὐτῶν
G846
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

Analysis

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of faith and obedience 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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