John 21:4

Authorized King James Version

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πρωΐας
when the morning
day-dawn
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἤδη
now
even now
#4
γενομένης
come
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#5
ἔστη
stood
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#8
εἰς
on
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#9
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
αἰγιαλόν
the shore
a beach (on which the waves dash)
#11
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
μέντοι
but
indeed though, i.e., however
#13
ᾔδεισαν
knew
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#14
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μαθηταὶ
the disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#16
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#17
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#18
ἐστιν
it was
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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