Luke 18:8

Authorized King James Version

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγω
G3004
I tell
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#3
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
ποιήσει
G4160
he will
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#5
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐκδίκησιν
G1557
avenge
vindication, retribution
#7
αὐτῶν
G846
them
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
#8
ἐν
G1722
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τάχει
G5034
speedily
a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste
#10
πλὴν
G4133
Nevertheless
moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet
#11
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
υἱὸς
G5207
the Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#13
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀνθρώπου
G444
of man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#15
ἐλθὼν
G2064
cometh
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#16
ἆρα
G687
when
therefore
#17
εὑρήσει
G2147
shall he find
to find (literally or figuratively)
#18
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
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
#20
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
γῆς
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Topics

People

Study Resources