John 19:40

Authorized King James Version

Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔλαβον
took they
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
σῶμα
the body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἔδησαν
wound
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#9
αὐτὸ
it
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
#10
ὀθονίοις
in linen clothes
a linen bandage
#11
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#12
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἀρωμάτων
the spices
an aromatic
#14
καθὼς
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#15
ἔθος
the manner
a usage (prescribed by habit or law)
#16
ἐστὶν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#17
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
Ἰουδαίοις
of the Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#19
ἐνταφιάζειν
to bury
to inswathe with cerements for interment

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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