John 8:40

Authorized King James Version

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ζητεῖτέ
ye seek
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#4
με
me
me
#5
ἀποκτεῖναι
to kill
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#6
ἄνθρωπον
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#7
ἣν
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀλήθειαν
the truth
truth
#10
ὑμῖν
you
to (with or by) you
#11
λελάληκα
hath told
to talk, i.e., utter words
#12
ἣν
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#13
ἤκουσα
I have heard
to hear (in various senses)
#14
παρὰ
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#15
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θεοῦ·
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#17
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#18
Ἀβραὰμ
G11
Abraham
abraham, the hebrew patriarch
#19
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
ἐποίησεν
did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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 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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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