Luke 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#3
αὐτῷ
unto 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
#4
Εὖ,
Well
(adverbially) well
#5
ἀγαθὲ
G18
thou good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#6
δοῦλε
servant
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#7
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
ἐλαχίστῳ
a very little
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
#10
πιστὸς
faithful
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
#11
ἐγένου
thou hast been
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#12
ἴσθι
thou authority
be thou
#13
ἐξουσίαν
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#14
ἔχων
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
ἐπάνω
over
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
#16
δέκα
ten
ten
#17
πόλεων
cities
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Luke. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant 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 pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, 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 covenant 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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