John 19:33

Authorized King James Version

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπὶ
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
ἐλθόντες
they came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
ὡς
when
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#7
εἶδον
and saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
αὐτοῦ
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
#9
ἤδη
already
even now
#10
τεθνηκότα
was dead
to die (literally or figuratively)
#11
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
κατέαξαν
they brake
to rend in pieces, i.e., crack apart
#13
αὐτοῦ
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
#14
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
σκέλη
legs
through the idea of leanness); the leg (as lank)

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

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 divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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