John 5:28

Authorized King James Version

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#2
θαυμάζετε
Marvel
to wonder; by implication, to admire
#3
τοῦτο
at this
that thing
#4
ὅτι
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
ἔρχεται
is coming
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
ὥρα
the hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
the which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#10
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μνημείοις
the graves
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
#14
ἀκούσονται
shall hear
to hear (in various senses)
#15
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
φωνῆς
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#17
αὐτοῦ
his
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

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

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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