Luke 13:6

Authorized King James Version

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἔλεγεν
He spake
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
δὲ
also
but, and, etc
#3
ταύτην
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#4
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
παραβολήν·
parable
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#6
Συκῆν
a fig tree
a fig-tree
#7
εἶχέν
man had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
τις
A certain
some or any person or object
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἀμπελῶνι
vineyard
a vineyard
#12
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
#13
πεφυτευμένην
planted
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἦλθεν
he came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#16
καρπὸν
fruit
fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively
#17
ζητῶν
and sought
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#18
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
αὐτῇ
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
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
οὐχ
none
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#22
εὗρεν
found
to find (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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