Luke 10:18

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτοῖς
unto them
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
#4
Ἐθεώρουν
I beheld
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
#5
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
Σατανᾶν
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#7
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#8
ἀστραπὴν
lightning
lightning; by analogy, glare
#9
ἐκ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#10
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
πεσόντα
fall
to fall (literally or figuratively)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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