John 6:70

Authorized King James Version

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
αὐτοῖς
them
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
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
Οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#7
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#8
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
δώδεκα
twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#10
ἐξελεξάμην
Have
to select
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἐξ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#13
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you
#14
εἷς
one
one
#15
διάβολός
a devil
a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)
#16
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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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