John 2:5

Authorized King James Version

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγῃ
he saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
μήτηρ
mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#4
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
#5
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
διακόνοις
unto the servants
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
#7
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
τι
some or any person or object
#9
ἂν
whatsoever
#10
λέγῃ
he saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#12
ποιήσατε
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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