Luke 18:17

Authorized King James Version

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#2
λέγω
G3004
I 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
#3
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#4
ὃς
G3739
Whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#5
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#6
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#7
δέξηται
G1209
receive
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#8
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#12
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#13
παιδίον
G3813
a little child
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
#14
οὐ
G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#16
εἰσέλθῃ
G1525
enter
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#17
εἰς
G1519
therein
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
αὐτήν
G846
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

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Luke. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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