John 12:38

Authorized King James Version

That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἵνα
G2443
That
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
λόγος
G3056
the saying
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#4
Ἠσαΐου
G2268
of Esaias
hesaias (i.e., jeshajah), an israelite
#5
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
προφήτου
G4396
the prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#7
πληρωθῇ
G4137
might be fulfilled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#8
ὃν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
εἶπεν
G2036
he spake
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#10
κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
τίνι
G5101
to whom
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#12
ἐπίστευσεν
G4100
hath believed
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
#13
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀκοῇ
G189
report
hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)
#15
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
βραχίων
G1023
hath the arm
the arm, i.e., (figuratively) strength
#19
κυρίου
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#20
τίνι
G5101
to whom
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#21
ἀπεκαλύφθη
G601
been revealed
to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights faith and obedience through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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