John 12:6

Authorized King James Version

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
G2036
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
G1161
but, and, etc
#3
τοῦτο
G5124
This
that thing
#4
οὐχ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
περὶ
G4012
for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#7
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πτωχῶν
G4434
the poor
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
#9
ἔμελεν
G3199
he cared
to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)
#10
αὐτῷ
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
#11
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#12
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
κλέπτης
G2812
a thief
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
#14
ἦν
G2258
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
γλωσσόκομον
G1101
the bag
properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e., (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse
#18
εἶχέν
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
βαλλόμενα
G906
what was put therein
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#22
ἐβάσταζεν
G941
bare
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

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 historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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