John 8:7

Authorized King James Version

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὡς
when
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#2
δὲ
So
but, and, etc
#3
ἐπέμενον
they continued
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
#4
ἐρωτῶντες
asking
to interrogate; by implication, to request
#5
αὓτη
her
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
#6
ἀνάκυψας
he lifted up himself
to unbend, i.e., rise; figuratively, be elated
#7
εἶπεν
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#8
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#9
αὓτη
her
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
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἀναμάρτητος
He that is without sin
sinless
#12
ὑμῶν
among you
of (from or concerning) you
#13
πρῶτος
first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#14
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
λίθον
a stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἐπ'
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#17
αὓτη
her
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
#18
βαλέτω
cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

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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