John 7:24

Authorized King James Version

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#2
κρίνατε
Judge
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#3
κατ'
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#4
ὄψιν
the appearance
properly, sight (the act), i.e., (by implication) the visage, an external show
#5
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#6
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δικαίαν
righteous
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#8
κρίσιν
judgment
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
#9
κρίνατε
Judge
by implication, to try, condemn, punish

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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