John 18:3

Authorized King James Version

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

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

οὖν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Ἰούδας

G2455

Judas

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

λαβὼν

G2983

having received

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὴν

G3588

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

σπεῖραν

G4686

a band

a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e., (figuratively) a mass of men (a roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of levitical janitors)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν

G3588

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

#10

ἀρχιερέων

G749

the chief priests

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

Φαρισαίων

G5330

Pharisees

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

#13

ὑπηρέτας

G5257

officers

an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)

#14

ἔρχεται

G2064

cometh

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

#15

ἐκεῖ

G1563

thither

there; by extension, thither

#16

μετὰ

G3326

with

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

#17

φανῶν

G5322

lanterns

a lightener, i.e., light; lantern

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

λαμπάδων

G2985

torches

a "lamp" or flambeau

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

ὅπλων

G3696

weapons

an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?

Related Resources

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John 18:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources