John 20:19

Authorized King James Version

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οὔσης

G5607

being

οὖν

G3767

Then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὀψίας

G3798

at evening

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρᾳ

G2250

day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνῃ

G1565

the same

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μιᾷ

G1520

one

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

σαββάτων

G4521

day of the week

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

θυρῶν

G2374

the doors

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

#14

κεκλεισμένων

G2808

were shut

to close (literally or figuratively)

#15

ὅπου

G3699

where

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

#16

ἦσαν

G2258

were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#17

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

μαθηταὶ

G3101

the disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#19

συνηγμένοι

G4863

assembled

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

#20

διὰ

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#21

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

φόβον

G5401

fear

alarm or fright

#23

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

Ἰουδαίων

G2453

of the Jews

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

#25

ἦλθεν

G2064

came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#26

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

ἔστη

G2476

stood

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#30

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#31

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

μέσον

G3319

the midst

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

#33

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#34

λέγει

G3004

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

#35

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto them

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

#36

Εἰρήνη

G1515

Peace

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

#37

ὑμῖν

G5213

be unto you

to (with or by) you

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of peace 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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John 20:19

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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