John 4:53

Authorized King James Version

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔγνω
knew
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#2
οὖν
So
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πατὴρ
the father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#5
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
ἐκείνῃ
the same
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#8
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὥρᾳ
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
the which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#13
αὐτοῦ
himself
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
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#16
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
υἱός
son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#19
σου
Thy
of thee, thy
#20
ζῇ
liveth
to live (literally or figuratively)
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#23
αὐτοῦ
himself
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
#24
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
οἰκία
house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#27
αὐτοῦ
himself
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
#28
ὅλη
whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights faith and obedience 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

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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