John 8:31

Authorized King James Version

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἔλεγεν
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
τῷ
which
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
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#6
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πεπιστευκότας
believed
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#8
αὐτῷ
on him
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
#9
Ἰουδαίους
those Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#10
Ἐὰν
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#11
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#12
μείνητε
continue
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#13
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λόγῳ
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#16
τῷ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐμῷ
my
my
#18
ἀληθῶς
indeed
truly
#19
μαθηταί
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#20
μού
my
of me
#21
ἐστε
then are ye
ye are

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights faith and obedience 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 faith and obedience 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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