Luke 10:37

Authorized King James Version

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ποίει
He that shewed
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#6
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἔλεος
mercy
compassion (human or divine, especially active)
#8
μετ'
on
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#9
αὐτῷ
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
#10
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#11
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#12
αὐτῷ
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
#13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#15
Πορεύου
Go
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
σὺ
thou
thou
#18
ποίει
He that shewed
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#19
ὁμοίως
likewise
similarly

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 mercy 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 mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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