Luke 12:11

Authorized King James Version

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
προσφέρωσιν
they bring
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
#4
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#5
ἐπὶ
unto
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#6
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
συναγωγὰς
the synagogues
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἀρχὰς
unto magistrates
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἐξουσίας
powers
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#14
μὴ
ye no
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#15
μεριμνᾶτε
take
to be anxious about
#16
πῶς
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#17
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#18
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#19
ἀπολογήσησθε
ye shall answer
to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e., exculpate (self)
#20
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#21
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#22
εἴπητε·
ye shall say
to speak or say (by word or writing)

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

Related Resources

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

Topics

People

Study Resources