John 4:51

Authorized King James Version

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἤδη
as he was now
even now
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτῷ
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
#4
καταβαίνοντος
going down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#5
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
δοῦλοι
servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#7
αὐτῷ
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
#8
ἀπήντησαν
met
to meet away, i.e., encounter
#9
αὐτῷ
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
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἀπήγγειλαν
told
to announce
#12
λέγοντες
him saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#13
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
παῖς
son
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
#16
σου
Thy
of thee, thy
#17
ζῇ
liveth
to live (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. 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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