John 18:39

Authorized King James Version

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔστιν
have
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
συνήθεια
a custom
mutual habituation, i.e., usage
#4
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#5
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#6
ἕνα
one
one
#7
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#8
ἀπολύσω
I should release
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#9
ἐν
at
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πάσχα·
the passover
the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)
#12
βούλεσθε
will ye
to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing
#13
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#14
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#15
ἀπολύσω
I should release
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#16
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βασιλέα
the King
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#18
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
Ἰουδαίων
of the Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

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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