John 8:34

Authorized King James Version

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

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
ἀμὴν
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#6
ἀμὴν
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#7
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#9
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#10
πᾶς
Whosoever
all, any, every, the whole
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ποιῶν
committeth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#13
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἁμαρτίας
of sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#15
δοῦλός
the servant
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#16
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#17
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἁμαρτίας
of sin
a sin (properly abstract)

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

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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