Luke 18:4

Authorized King James Version

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἤθελησεν

G2309

he would

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐπὶ

G1909

for

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

χρόνον

G5550

a while

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

μετὰ

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

ταῦτα

G5023

afterward

these things

εἶπεν

G2036

he said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#10

ἐν

G1722

within

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

ἑαυτῷ

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#12

Εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

θεὸν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#16

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#17

φοβοῦμαι

G5399

I fear

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἄνθρωπον

G444

man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#20

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#21

ἐντρέπομαι

G1788

regard

to invert, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Luke chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Luke 18:4

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

Study Resources