John 18:34

Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίθη

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτῷ

G846

him

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

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἀφ'

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἑαυτοῦ

G1438

thyself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

σὺ

G4771

thou

τοῦτο

G5124

this thing

that thing

λέγεις

G3004

Sayest

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

#10

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#11

ἄλλοι

G243

did others

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#12

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#13

εἶπόν

G2036

tell it

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#14

περὶ

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#15

ἐμοῦ

G1700

of me

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 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?
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 18:34

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources