Luke 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

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
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#3
τῶν
those things which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀκούσαντες
they that heard
to hear (in various senses)
#5
ἐθαύμασαν
it wondered
to wonder; by implication, to admire
#6
περὶ
at
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#7
τῶν
those things which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
λαληθέντων
were told
to talk, i.e., utter words
#9
ὑπὸ
by
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#10
τῶν
those things which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ποιμένων
the shepherds
a shepherd (literally or figuratively)
#12
πρὸς
them
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,
#13
αὐτούς·
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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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