Luke 15:24

Authorized King James Version

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
οὗτος
G3778
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
υἱός
G5207
son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#5
μου
G3450
my
of me
#6
νεκρὸς
G3498
dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#7
ἦν
G2258
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἀνέζησεν
G326
is alive again
to recover life (literally or figuratively)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἀπολωλὼς
G622
lost
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#12
ἦν
G2258
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
εὑρέθη
G2147
is found
to find (literally or figuratively)
#15
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἤρξαντο
G756
they began
to commence (in order of time)
#17
εὐφραίνεσθαι
G2165
to be merry
to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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