Luke 18:9

Authorized King James Version

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εἶπεν
G2036
he spake
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
πρός
G4314
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,
#5
τινας
G5100
certain
some or any person or object
#6
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πεποιθότας
G3982
trusted
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
#8
ἐφ'
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
ἑαυτοῖς
G1438
themselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#10
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#11
εἰσὶν
G1526
they were
they are
#12
δίκαιοι
G1342
righteous
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἐξουθενοῦντας
G1848
despised
to despise
#15
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
λοιποὺς
G3062
others
remaining ones
#17
τὴν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
παραβολὴν
G3850
parable
a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage
#19
ταύτην·
G3778
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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