John 9:21

Authorized King James Version

But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πῶς
by what means
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#4
βλέπει
he
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#5
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
οἴδαμεν·
know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#8
τίς
who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#9
ἤνοιξεν
hath opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#10
αὐτοῦ
he
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
#11
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#13
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#14
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
οἴδαμεν·
know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#16
αὐτοῦ
he
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
#17
ἡλικίαν
of age
maturity (in years or size)
#18
ἔχει
is
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#19
αὐτοῦ
he
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
#20
ἐρωτήσατε
ask him
to interrogate; by implication, to request
#21
αὐτοῦ
he
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
#22
περὶ
for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#23
αὐτοῦ
he
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
#24
λαλήσει
shall speak
to talk, i.e., utter words

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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