Luke 13:15

Authorized King James Version

The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
οὖν
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
αὐτοῦ
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
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
κύριος
The Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#8
ὑποκριτά
Thou hypocrite
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
#9
ἕκαστος
each one
each or every
#10
ὑμῶν
of you
of (from or concerning) you
#11
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
σαββάτῳ
on the sabbath
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
#13
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
λύει
doth
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#15
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
βοῦν
ox
an ox (as grazing), i.e., an animal of that species ("beef")
#17
αὐτοῦ
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
#18
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#19
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ὄνον
his ass
a donkey
#21
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#22
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
φάτνης
the stall
a crib (for fodder)
#24
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
ἀπαγαγὼν
lead him away
to take off (in various senses)
#26
ποτίζει
to watering
to furnish drink, irrigate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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