Luke 17:6

Authorized King James Version

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
κύριος
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#5
Εἰ
G1487
If
if, whether, that, etc
#6
εἴχετε
G2192
ye had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#7
πίστιν
G4102
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#8
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#9
κόκκον
G2848
a grain
a kernel of seed
#10
σινάπεως
G4615
of mustard seed
mustard (the plant)
#11
ἐλέγετε
G3004
say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#12
ἂν
G302
it should
whatsoever
#13
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
συκαμίνῳ
G4807
sycamine
a sycamore-fig tree
#15
ταύτῃ
G3778
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#16
Ἐκριζώθητι
G1610
tree Be thou plucked up by the root
to uproot
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
φυτεύθητι
G5452
be thou planted
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
θαλάσσῃ·
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#22
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
ὑπήκουσεν
G5219
obey
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
#24
ἂν
G302
it should
whatsoever
#25
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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