John 12:49

Authorized King James Version

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#3
ἐξ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
ἐμαυτοῦ
G1683
myself
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
#5
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
λαλήσω
G2980
I should speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#7
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#8
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
πέμψας
G3992
which sent
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
#10
με
G3165
me
me
#11
πατὴρ
G3962
the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#12
αὐτός
G846
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
#13
μοι
G3427
me
to me
#14
ἐντολὴν
G1785
a commandment
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#15
ἔδωκεν
G1325
he gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#16
τί
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#17
εἴπω
G2036
I should say
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
τί
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#20
λαλήσω
G2980
I should speak
to talk, i.e., utter words

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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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