Luke 11:29

Authorized King James Version

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
ὄχλων
G3793
when the people
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#4
ἐπαθροιζομένων
G1865
were gathered thick together
to accumulate
#5
ἤρξατο
G756
he began
to commence (in order of time)
#6
λέγειν
G3004
to say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#7
Ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
γενεὰ
G1074
generation
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
#9
αὕτη
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#10
πονηρά
G4190
an evil
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
#11
ἐστιν·
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#12
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#13
ἐπιζητεῖ,
G1934
they seek
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#16
οὐ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#17
δοθήσεται
G1325
be given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#18
αὐτῇ
G846
it
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
#19
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#20
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#21
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#23
Ἰωνᾶ
G2495
of Jonas
jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites
#24
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
προφήτου·
G4396
the prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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