John 12:47

Authorized King James Version

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐάν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τίς

G5100

any man

some or any person or object

μου

G3450

of me

ἀκούσῃ

G191

hear

to hear (in various senses)

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ῥημάτων

G4487

words

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#10

πιστεύσῃ,

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

#11

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#12

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

κρίνω

G2919

judge

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#14

αὐτόν

G846

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

#15

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#16

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#17

ἦλθον

G2064

I came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#19

κρίνω

G2919

judge

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

#20

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

κόσμον

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#22

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#23

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#24

σώσω

G4982

save

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

#25

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

κόσμον

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 salvation 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

How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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John 12:47

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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