Luke 1:17

Authorized King James Version

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#3
προελεύσεται
G4281
shall go
to go onward, precede (in place or time)
#4
ἐνώπιον
G1799
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#5
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#6
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
πνεύματι
G4151
the spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
δυνάμει
G1411
power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#10
Ἠλίου
G2243
of Elias
helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite
#11
ἐπιστρέψαι
G1994
to turn
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
#12
καρδίας
G2588
the hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#13
πατέρων
G3962
of the fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#14
ἐπὶ
G1909
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#15
τέκνα
G5043
the children
a child (as produced)
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἀπειθεῖς
G545
the disobedient
unpersuadable, i.e., contumacious
#18
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
φρονήσει
G5428
the wisdom
mental action or activity, i.e., intellectual or moral insight
#20
δικαίων
G1342
of the just
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#21
ἑτοιμάσαι
G2090
to make ready
to prepare
#22
κυρίῳ
G2962
for the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#23
λαὸν
G2992
a people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#24
κατεσκευασμένον
G2680
prepared
to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas g2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of wisdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 salvation 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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