Luke 16:17

Authorized King James Version

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εὐκοπώτερον
easier
better for toil, i.e., more facile
#2
δέ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἐστιν
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#4
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
οὐρανὸν
for heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
γῆν
earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#9
παρελθεῖν
to pass
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#10
than
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#11
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
νόμου
of the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#13
μίαν
one
#14
κεραίαν
tittle
something horn-like, i.e., (specially) the apex of a hebrew letter (figuratively, the least particle)
#15
πεσεῖν
to fail
to fall (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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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