Luke 12:53

Authorized King James Version

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διαμερισθήσεται
shall be divided
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
#2
πατρί
The father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#3
ἐπὶ
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#4
υἱὸς
the son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
υἱὸς
the son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#7
ἐπὶ
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
πατρί
The father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#9
μητρί·
the mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#10
ἐπὶ
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#11
θυγάτηρ
the daughter
a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
θυγάτηρ
the daughter
a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)
#14
ἐπὶ
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#15
μητρί·
the mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#16
πενθεράν
mother in law
a wife's mother
#17
ἐπὶ
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#18
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
νύμφη
daughter in law
a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife
#20
αὐτῆς
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
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
νύμφη
daughter in law
a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife
#23
ἐπὶ
against
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#24
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
πενθεράν
mother in law
a wife's mother
#26
αὐτῆς,
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 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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