Luke 2:39

Authorized King James Version

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

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
ὡς
when
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#3
ἐτέλεσαν
they had performed
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
#4
ἅπαντα
all things
absolutely all or (singular) every one
#5
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
κατὰ
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
νόμον
to the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#9
κυρίου
of the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#10
ὑπέστρεψαν
they returned
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
#11
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Γαλιλαίαν
Galilee
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
#14
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#15
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
πόλιν
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#17
αὑτῶν
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
#18
Ναζαρέτ
Nazareth
nazareth or nazaret, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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