John 19:29

Authorized King James Version

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
σκεῦος
a vessel
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
#2
οὖν
Now
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἔκειτο
there was set
to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)
#4
ὄξους
of vinegar
vinegar, i.e., sour wine
#5
μεστόν·
full
replete (literally or figuratively)
#6
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δὲ,
and
but, and, etc
#8
πλήσαντες
they filled
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
#9
σπόγγον
a spunge
a "sponge"
#10
ὄξους
of vinegar
vinegar, i.e., sour wine
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ὑσσώπῳ
hyssop
"hyssop"
#13
περιθέντες
put it upon
to place around; by implication, to present
#14
προσήνεγκαν
and put
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
#15
αὐτοῦ
it to his
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
#16
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
στόματι
mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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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