John 8:48

Authorized King James Version

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀπεκρίθησαν
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
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰουδαῖοι
the Jews
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
εἶπον
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#7
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#8
Οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
καλῶς
well
well (usually morally)
#10
λέγομεν
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
#11
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#12
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
Σαμαρείτης
a Samaritan
a samarite, i.e., inhabitant of samaria
#14
εἶ
art
thou art
#15
σύ,
thou
thou
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
δαιμόνιον
a devil
a daemonic being; by extension a deity
#18
ἔχεις
hast
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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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