John 2:17

Authorized King James Version

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐμνήσθησαν
remembered
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
μαθηταὶ
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#5
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
#6
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
γεγραμμένον
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#8
ἐστίν
it was
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ζῆλος
The zeal
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
#11
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
οἴκου
house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#13
σου
of thine
of thee, thy
#14
κατέφαγεν
hath eaten
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)
#15
με
me
me

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources