Luke 19:40

Authorized King James Version

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

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

ἀποκριθεὶς

G611

he answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν

G2036

and said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς,

G846

unto 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

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

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

ὅτι,

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

οὗτοι

G3778

these

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#10

σιωπήσωσιν,

G4623

should hold their peace

to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)

#11

οἱ

G3588

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

#12

λίθοι

G3037

the stones

a stone (literally or figuratively)

#13

κεκράξονται

G2896

would immediately cry out

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

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 peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Luke 19:40

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources