Luke 11:48

Authorized King James Version

Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἄρα
Truly
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
#2
μάρτυρεῖτε
ye bear witness
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
#3
καὶ
that
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
συνευδοκεῖτε
ye allow
to think well of in common, i.e., assent to, feel gratified with
#5
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἔργοις
the deeds
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#7
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πατέρων
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#9
ὑμῶν
of your
of (from or concerning) you
#10
ὅτι
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#11
αὐτῶν
their
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
#12
μὲν
indeed
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#13
ἀπέκτειναν
killed
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#14
αὐτῶν
their
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
#15
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#16
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#17
οἰκοδομεῖτε
build
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
#18
αὐτῶν
their
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
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
μνημεῖα
sepulchres
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

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 divine revelation 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

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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