Luke 16:3

Authorized King James Version

Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
Then
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
within
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
ἑαυτῷ
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οἰκονόμος
the steward
a house-distributor (i.e., manager), or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preach
#7
Τί
What
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#8
ποιήσω
shall I do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
ὅτι
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κύριός
lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#12
μου
my
of me
#13
ἀφαιρεῖται
taketh away
to remove (literally or figuratively)
#14
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
οἰκονομίαν
the stewardship
administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) "economy"
#16
ἀπ'
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#17
ἐμοῦ
me
of me
#18
σκάπτειν
dig
to dig
#19
οὐκ
I cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
ἰσχύω
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
#21
ἐπαιτεῖν
to beg
to ask for
#22
αἰσχύνομαι
I am ashamed
to feel shame (for oneself)

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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