Luke 11:36

Authorized King James Version

If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
If
if, whether, that, etc
#2
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
σῶμά
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#5
σου
thy
of thee, thy
#6
ὅλον
the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#7
φωτεινὸν
be full of light
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
#8
μὴ
no
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
ἔχον
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#10
τι
some or any person or object
#11
μέρος
part
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
#12
σκοτεινόν
dark
opaque, i.e., (figuratively) benighted
#13
ἔσται
shall be
will be
#14
φωτεινὸν
be full of light
lustrous, i.e., transparent or well-illuminated (figuratively)
#15
ὅλον
the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#16
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#17
ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
λύχνος
of a candle
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
#20
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀστραπῇ
the bright shining
lightning; by analogy, glare
#22
φωτίζῃ
doth give
to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)
#23
σε
thee
thee

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

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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