Luke 2:44

Authorized King James Version

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
νομίσαντες
they supposing
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτὸν
him
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
#4
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
συνοδίᾳ
the company
companionship on a journey, i.e., (by implication), a caravan
#7
εἶναι
to have been
to exist
#8
ἦλθον
went
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
ἡμέρας
a day's
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#10
ὁδὸν
journey
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἀνεζήτουν
they sought
to search out
#13
αὐτὸν
him
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
#14
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
συγγενέσιν
their kinsfolk
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
#17
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#19
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
γνωστοῖς
acquaintance
well-known

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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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