Luke 11:52

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐαὶ
Woe
woe
#2
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#3
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
νομικοῖς
lawyers
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
#5
ὅτι
! for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
ἤρατε
ye have taken away
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
#7
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
κλεῖδα
the key
a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively
#9
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
γνώσεως·
of knowledge
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
#11
αὐτοὶ
yourselves
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
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
εἰσερχομένους
in
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
εἰσερχομένους
in
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#17
ἐκωλύσατε
ye hindered
to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources