Luke 2:32

Authorized King James Version

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
φῶς
A light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#2
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#3
ἀποκάλυψιν
lighten
disclosure
#4
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
δόξαν
the glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#7
λαοῦ
people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#8
σου
of thy
of thee, thy
#9
Ἰσραήλ
Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

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 glory 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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