John 13:33

Authorized King James Version

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τεκνία

G5040

Little children

an infant, i.e., (plural figuratively) darlings (christian converts)

ἔτι

G2089

yet

"yet," still (of time or degree)

μικρὸν

G3397

a little while

a small space of time or degree

μεθ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

εἰμι·

G1510

I am

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ζητήσετέ

G2212

Ye shall seek

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

με

G3165

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#11

εἶπον

G2036

I said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#12

τοῖς

G3588

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

#13

Ἰουδαίοις

G2453

unto the Jews

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

#14

ὅτι

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

Ὅπου

G3699

Whither

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

#16

ὑπάγω

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#17

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#18

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#19

οὐ

G3756

cannot

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

#20

δύνασθε

G1410

to be able or possible

#21

ἐλθεῖν

G2064

come

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

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

ὑμῖν

G5213

to you

to (with or by) you

#24

λέγω

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#25

ἄρτι

G737

now

just now

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 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

How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
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?

Related Resources

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John 13:33

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources