John 4:32

Authorized King James Version

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
αὐτοῖς
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
#5
Ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#6
βρῶσιν
meat
(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἔχω
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
φαγεῖν
to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἣν
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#11
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
οἴδατε
know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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