John 6:19

Authorized King James Version

So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐληλακότες
when they had rowed
to push (as wind, oars or daemonical power)
#2
οὖν
So
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ὡς
about
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#4
σταδίους
furlongs
a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course
#5
εἴκοσι
and twenty
a score
#6
πέντε
five
"five"
#7
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#8
τριάκοντα
thirty
thirty
#9
θεωροῦσιν
they see
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
#10
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#12
περιπατοῦντα
walking
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#13
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θαλάσσης
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐγγὺς
nigh
near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)
#18
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
πλοίου
unto the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#20
γινόμενον
drawing
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ἐφοβήθησαν
they were afraid
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

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

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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