Luke 15:8

Authorized King James Version

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Either
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#2
τίς
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#3
γυνὴ
woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#4
δραχμὴν
piece
a drachma or (silver) coin (as handled)
#5
ἔχουσα
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#6
δέκα
ten
ten
#7
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#8
ἀπολέσῃ
she lose
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#9
δραχμὴν
piece
a drachma or (silver) coin (as handled)
#10
μίαν
one
#11
οὐχὶ
doth not
not indeed
#12
ἅπτει
light
properly, to fasten to, i.e., (specially) to set on fire
#13
λύχνον
a candle
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
σαροῖ
sweep
meaning a broom; to sweep
#16
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
οἰκίαν
the house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ζητεῖ
seek
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#20
ἐπιμελῶς
diligently
carefully
#21
ἕως
till
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#22
ὅτου
during which same time, i.e., whilst
#23
εὕρῃ
she find
to find (literally or figuratively)

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

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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