Luke 16:5

Authorized King James Version

So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
So
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
προσκαλεσάμενος
he called
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
#3
ἕνα
one
one
#4
ἕκαστον
every
each or every
#5
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
χρεωφειλετῶν
debtors
a loan-ower, i.e., indebted person
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
κυρίῳ
lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#9
ἑαυτοῦ
of his
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#10
ἔλεγεν
unto him and said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πρώτῳ
unto the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#13
Πόσον
How much
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
#14
ὀφείλεις
owest thou
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
#15
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
κυρίῳ
lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#17
μου
unto my
of me

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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