John 21:22

Authorized King James Version

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγει
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
αὐτὸν
unto him
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
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
Ἐὰν
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#6
αὐτὸν
unto him
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
#7
θέλω
I will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#8
μένειν
that he tarry
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#9
ἕως
till
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#10
ἔρχομαι
I come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#12
πρὸς
is that to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#13
σέ
thee
thee
#14
σύ
thou
thou
#15
ἀκολούθει
follow
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#16
μοι
me
to me

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights faith and obedience through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

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 faith and obedience 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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