Luke 15:27

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
αὐτὸν
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
#5
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀδελφός
G80
brother
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#8
σου
Thy
of thee, thy
#9
ἥκει
is come
to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἔθυσεν
hath killed
properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πατήρ
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#14
σου
Thy
of thee, thy
#15
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
μόσχον
calf
a young bullock
#17
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σιτευτόν
the fatted
grain-fed, i.e., fattened
#19
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#20
ὑγιαίνοντα
safe and sound
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
#21
αὐτὸν
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
#22
ἀπέλαβεν
he hath received
to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside

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 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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