Luke 16:15

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#3
αὐτοῖς
unto them
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
#4
Ὑμεῖς
Ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#5
ἐστε
are
ye are
#6
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δικαιοῦντες
they which justify
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
#8
ἑαυτοὺς
yourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#9
ἐνώπιον
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#10
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἀνθρώποις
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#14
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
γινώσκει
knoweth
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#16
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
καρδίας
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#18
ὑμῶν·
your
of (from or concerning) you
#19
ὅτι
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#20
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
ἀνθρώποις
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#23
ὑψηλὸν
that which is highly esteemed
lofty (in place or character)
#24
βδέλυγμα
abomination
a detestation, i.e., (specially) idolatry
#25
ἐνώπιον
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#26
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#28
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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