Luke 14:28

Authorized King James Version

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τίς
which
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἐξ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you
#5
θέλων
intending
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#6
πύργον
a tower
a tower or castle
#7
οἰκοδομῆσαι
to build
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
#8
οὐχὶ
not
not indeed
#9
πρῶτον
first
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
#10
καθίσας
down
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#11
ψηφίζει
and counteth
to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e., (generally) to compute
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
δαπάνην
the cost
expense (as consuming)
#14
εἰ
whether
if, whether, that, etc
#15
ἔχει
he have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#16
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
πρὸς
sufficient to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#18
ἀπαρτισμόν
finish
completion

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

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

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