John 18:36

Authorized King James Version

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
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)
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
Ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
βασιλεία
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐμὴ
G1699
My
my
#8
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
ἔστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#10
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
κόσμου
G2889
world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#13
τούτου
G5127
this
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
#14
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#15
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
κόσμου
G2889
world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#18
τούτου
G5127
this
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
#19
ἦν
G2258
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#20
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
βασιλεία
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#22
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἐμὴ
G1699
My
my
#24
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ὑπηρέται
G5257
servants
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
#26
ἄν
G302
then would
whatsoever
#27
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἐμοὶ
G1698
to me
#29
ἠγωνίζοντο
G75
fight
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
#30
ἵνα
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#31
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#32
παραδοθῶ
G3860
I should
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#33
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#34
Ἰουδαίοις·
G2453
to the Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#35
νῦν
G3568
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#36
δὲ
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#37
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#38
βασιλεία
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#39
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#40
ἐμὴ
G1699
My
my
#41
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#42
ἔστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#43
ἐντεῦθεν
G1782
from hence
hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to John. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. 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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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