Luke 12:37

Authorized King James Version

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μακάριοι
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#2
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
δοῦλοι
servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#4
ἐκεῖνοι
are those
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#5
οὓς
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
ἐλθὼν
when he cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
κύριος
the lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#9
εὑρήσει
shall find
to find (literally or figuratively)
#10
γρηγοροῦντας·
watching
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#11
ἀμὴν
verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#12
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#13
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#14
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#15
περιζώσεται
he shall gird himself
to gird all around, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἀνακλινεῖ
make
to lean back
#18
αὐτοῖς
them
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
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
παρελθὼν
will come forth
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#21
διακονήσει
and serve
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
#22
αὐτοῖς
them
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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