John 3:27

Authorized King James Version

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
G611
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
Ἰωάννης
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#3
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
εἶπεν
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#5
Οὐ
G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
δύναται
G1410
can
to be able or possible
#7
ἄνθρωπος
G444
A man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#8
λαμβάνειν
G2983
receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#9
οὐδὲν
G3762
nothing
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#10
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#11
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#12
ᾖ
G5600
it be
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
#13
δεδομένον
G1325
given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#14
αὐτῷ
G846
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
#15
ἐκ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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