Luke 11:17

Authorized King James Version

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
αὐτοῖς
G846
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
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
εἰδὼς
G1492
knowing
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#4
αὐτοῖς
G846
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
#5
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
διανοήματα
G1270
thoughts
something thought through, i.e., a sentiment
#7
εἶπεν
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#8
αὐτοῖς
G846
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
#9
Πᾶσα
G3956
Every
all, any, every, the whole
#10
βασιλεία
G932
kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#11
ἐπὶ
G1909
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#12
ἑαυτὴν
G1438
itself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#13
διαμερισθεῖσα
G1266
divided
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
#14
ἐρημοῦται
G2049
is brought to desolation
to lay waste (literally or figuratively)
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
οἶκον
G3624
a house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#17
ἐπὶ
G1909
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#18
οἶκον
G3624
a house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#19
πίπτει
G4098
falleth
to fall (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Luke. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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