Luke 1:48

Authorized King James Version

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
ἐπέβλεψεν
he hath regarded
to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality)
#3
ἐπὶ
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#4
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ταπείνωσιν
the low estate
depression (in rank or feeling)
#6
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δούλης
handmaiden
a female slave (involuntarily or voluntarily)
#8
αὐτοῦ
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
#9
ἰδού,
behold
used as imperative lo!
#10
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#11
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#12
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
νῦν
henceforth
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#14
μακαριοῦσίν
blessed
to beatify, i.e., pronounce (or esteem) fortunate
#15
με
me
me
#16
πᾶσαι
all
all, any, every, the whole
#17
αἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
γενεαί
generations
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition 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 the cultural context of the biblical world 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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