John 6:38

Authorized King James Version

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
καταβέβηκα
I came down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#3
ἐκ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#6
οὐχ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἵνα
to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#8
ποιῶ
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θέλημα
the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#11
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἐμὸν
mine own
my
#13
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#14
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θέλημα
the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#16
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πέμψαντός
of him that sent
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
#18
με
me
me

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 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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