Luke 12:20

Authorized King James Version

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτῷ
unto him
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
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θεός
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
Ἄφρων
Thou fool
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
#7
ταύτῃ
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#8
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
νυκτὶ
night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#10
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ψυχήν
soul
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#12
σοῦ·
thee
of thee, thy
#13
ἀπαιτοῦσιν
shall be required
to demand back
#14
ἀπὸ
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#15
σοῦ·
thee
of thee, thy
#16
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#18
ἡτοίμασας
thou hast provided
to prepare
#19
τίνι
whose
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#20
ἔσται
shall those things be
will be

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. 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