John 8:52

Authorized King James Version

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἶπον

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν

G3767

Then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτῷ

G846

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

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαῖοι

G2453

the Jews

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Νῦν

G3568

Now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐγνώκαμεν

G1097

we know

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δαιμόνιον

G1140

a devil

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

#10

ἔχεις

G2192

thou hast

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#11

Ἀβραὰμ

G11

Abraham

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

#12

ἀπέθανεν

G599

is dead

to die off (literally or figuratively)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

προφῆται

G4396

the prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

σὺ

G4771

thou

#18

λέγεις

G3004

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

#19

Ἐάν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#20

τις

G5100

a man

some or any person or object

#21

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

λόγον

G3056

saying

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#23

μου

G3450

of me

#24

τηρήσῃ

G5083

keep

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

#25

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#26

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#27

γεύσεται

G1089

he shall

to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)

#28

θανάτου

G2288

of death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#29

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#30

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

αἰῶνα

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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John 8:52

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources