Luke 10:31

Authorized King James Version

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
κατὰ
by
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#2
συγκυρίαν
chance
concurrence, i.e., accident
#3
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#4
ἱερεύς
priest
a priest (literally or figuratively)
#5
τις
a certain
some or any person or object
#6
κατέβαινεν
there came down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἐν
that
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ὁδῷ
way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#10
ἐκείνῃ
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἰδὼν
when he saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#13
αὐτὸν
him
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
#14
ἀντιπαρῆλθεν·
he passed by on the other side
to go along opposite

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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