John 18:4

Authorized King James Version

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#2
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
εἰδὼς
knowing
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#4
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#5
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐρχόμενα
that should come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
ἐπ'
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
αὐτοῖς
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
#9
ἐξελθὼν
went forth
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#10
εἶπεν
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#11
αὐτοῖς
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
#12
Τίνα
Whom
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#13
ζητεῖτε
seek ye
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through universal language and absolute statements. 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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