John 8:5

Authorized King James Version

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
νόμῳ
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#5
Μωσῆς
Moses
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
#6
ἡμῖν
us
to (or for, with, by) us
#7
ἐνετείλατο
commanded
to enjoin
#8
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τοιαύτας
that such
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
#10
λιθοβολεῖσθαι·
should be stoned
to throw stones, i.e., lapidate
#11
σὺ
thou
thou
#12
οὖν
but
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#13
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#14
λέγεις
sayest
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

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

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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