Luke 12:48

Authorized King James Version

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γνούς

G1097

he that knew

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ποιήσας

G4160

did commit

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἄξια

G514

things worthy

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

πληγῶν

G4127

of stripes

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

δαρήσεται

G1194

shall be beaten

properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash

#10

ὀλίγας

G3641

with few

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

#11

παντὶ

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

#12

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#13

ᾧ

G3739

to whom men

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#14

ἐδόθη

G1325

is given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#15

πολύ

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#16

πολύ

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#17

ζητηθήσεται

G2212

required

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

#18

παρ'

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#19

αὐτόν

G846

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

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

ᾧ

G3739

to whom men

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#22

παρέθεντο

G3908

have committed

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

#23

πολύ

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#24

περισσότερον

G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

#25

αἰτήσουσιν

G154

they will ask

to ask (in genitive case)

#26

αὐτόν

G846

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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Luke 12:48

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources