Luke 17:4

Authorized King James Version

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐὰν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
ἑπτάκις
G2034
seven times
seven times
#4
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἡμέρας
G2250
in a day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#6
ἁμάρτη
G264
he trespass
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
#7
εἰς
G1519
against
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
σὲ
G4571
thee
thee
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἑπτάκις
G2034
seven times
seven times
#11
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἡμέρας
G2250
in a day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#13
ἐπιστρέψῃ
G1994
turn again
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
#14
ἐπὶ
G1909
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#15
σὲ
G4571
thee
thee
#16
λέγων,
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#17
Μετανοῶ
G3340
I repent
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
#18
ἀφήσεις
G863
thou shalt forgive
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#19
αὐτῷ
G846
him
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

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources