John 15:22

Authorized King James Version

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
if, whether, that, etc
#2
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#3
ἦλθον
I had
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ἐλάλησα
spoken
to talk, i.e., utter words
#6
αὐτῶν
unto them
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
#7
ἁμαρτίας
sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#8
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
ἔχουσιν
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#10
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#11
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#12
πρόφασιν
cloke
an outward showing, i.e., pretext
#13
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
ἔχουσιν
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
περὶ
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
#16
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἁμαρτίας
sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#18
αὐτῶν
unto them
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

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

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