Luke 19:21

Authorized King James Version

For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐφοβούμην
I feared
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
#2
γάρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
σε
thee
thee
#4
ὅτι
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
ἄνθρωπος
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
αὐστηρὸς
an austere
rough (properly as a gale), i.e., (figuratively) severe
#7
εἶ
thou art
thou art
#8
αἴρεις
thou takest up
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
#9
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
ἔθηκας
down
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
θερίζεις
reapest
to harvest
#14
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#15
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ἔσπειρας
sow
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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