Luke 12:56

Authorized King James Version

Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὑποκριταί
Ye hypocrites
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
#2
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πρόσωπον
the face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#4
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γῆς
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οὐρανοῦ
of the sky
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#9
οἴδατε
ye can
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#10
δοκιμάζετε
discern
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
#11
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#13
καιρὸν
time
an occasion, i.e., set or proper time
#14
τοῦτον
this
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
#15
πῶς
how is it
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#16
οὐ
that ye do not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#17
δοκιμάζετε
discern
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

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

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