Luke 12:38

Authorized King James Version

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
ἔλθῃ
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
δευτέρᾳ
the second
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#7
φυλακῇ,
watch
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#8
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
τρίτῃ
the third
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
#12
φυλακῇ,
watch
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#13
ἔλθῃ
come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
εὕρῃ
find
to find (literally or figuratively)
#16
οὕτως
them so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#17
μακάριοί
blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#18
εἰσιν
are
they are
#19
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
δοῦλοι
servants
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#21
ἐκεῖνοι
those
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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