Luke 18:3

Authorized King James Version

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
χήρα
a widow
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἦν
there was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#4
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
πόλει
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#7
ἐκείνῃ
that
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἤρχετο
she came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#11
αὐτὸν
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
#12
λέγουσα
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
#13
Ἐκδίκησόν
Avenge
to vindicate, retaliate, punish
#14
με
me
me
#15
ἀπὸ
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#16
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἀντιδίκου
adversary
an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, satan (as the arch-enemy)
#18
μου
mine
of me

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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

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