Luke 12:39

Authorized King James Version

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
γινώσκετε
know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#4
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#6
ᾔδει
had known
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οἰκοδεσπότης
the goodman of the house
the head of a family
#9
ποίᾳ
what
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
#10
ὥρᾳ
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
κλέπτης
the thief
a stealer (literally or figuratively)
#13
ἔρχεται
would come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
ἐγρηγόρησεν
he would have watched
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἂν
whatsoever
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#18
ἄν,
whatsoever
#19
ἀφῆκεν
have suffered
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#20
διορυγῆναι
to be broken through
to penetrate burglariously
#21
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
οἶκον
house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#23
αὐτοῦ
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 revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Related Resources

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

Topics

People

Study Resources