John 5:35

Authorized King James Version

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐκεῖνος

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λύχνος

G3088

light

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιόμενος

G2545

a burning

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φαίνων

G5316

a shining

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#10

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#11

ἠθελήσατε

G2309

were willing

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#12

αγαλλιασθῆναι

G21

to rejoice

properly, to jump for joy, i.e., exult

#13

πρὸς

G4314

for

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#14

ὥραν

G5610

a season

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#15

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#16

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

φωτὶ

G5457

light

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

#18

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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John 5:35

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources