Luke 1:8

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἱερατεύειν
executed the priest's office
to be a priest, i.e., perform his functions
#6
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
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τάξει
the order
regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity
#10
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἐφημερίας
course
diurnality, i.e., (specially) the quotidian rotation or class of the jewish priests' service at the temple, as distributed by families
#12
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
#13
ἔναντι
before
in front (i.e., figuratively, presence) of
#14
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Luke's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources