Luke 10:19

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἰδού,

G2400

Behold

used as imperative lo!

δίδωμι

G1325

I give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

power

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατεῖν

G3961

to tread

to trample (literally or figuratively)

ἐπάνω

G1883

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

ὄφεων

G3789

serpents

a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

σκορπίων

G4651

scorpions

a "scorpion" (from its sting)

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἐπὶ

G1909

over

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#15

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

δύναμιν

G1411

the power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#17

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ἐχθροῦ

G2190

of the enemy

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

οὐδὲν

G3762

nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#21

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#22

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#23

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#24

ἀδικήσῃ

G91

hurt

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, 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 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

Luke 10:19

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources