Luke 11:44

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐαὶ
Woe
woe
#2
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#3
γραμματεῖς
scribes
a professional writer
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
Φαρισαῖοι,
Pharisees
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
#6
ὑποκριταί,
hypocrites
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
#7
ὅτι
! for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#8
ἐστὲ
ye are
ye are
#9
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
οἱ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
μνημεῖα
graves
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
#12
οἱ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἄδηλα
G82
appear not
hidden, figuratively, indistinct
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οἱ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἄνθρωποι
the men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#17
οἱ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
περιπατοῦντες
that walk
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
#19
ἐπάνω
over
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
#20
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#21
οἴδασιν
aware
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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