John 7:20

Authorized King James Version

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

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
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ὄχλος
The people
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
Δαιμόνιον
a devil
a daemonic being; by extension a deity
#7
ἔχεις·
Thou hast
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
τίς
who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#9
σε
thee
thee
#10
ζητεῖ
goeth about
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#11
ἀποκτεῖναι
to kill
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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