John 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
βαστάζων
he bearing
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
#3
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
σταυρὸν
cross
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
#5
αὐτοῦ
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
#6
ἐξῆλθεν
went forth
to issue (literally or figuratively)
#7
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
λέγεται
called
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
Κρανίου
the place of a skull
a skull ("cranium")
#11
Τόπον
a place
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
#12
ὃς
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#13
λέγεται
called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#14
Ἑβραϊστὶ
in the Hebrew
hebraistically or in the jewish (chaldee) language
#15
Γολγοθᾶ,
Golgotha
the skull; golgotha, a knoll near jerusalem

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 historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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