Luke 2:49

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

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
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#3
πρὸς
unto
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,
#4
αὐτούς
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
#5
Τί
How
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#6
ὅτι
is it that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
ἐζητεῖτέ
ye sought
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#8
με
I
me
#9
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
ᾔδειτε
wist ye
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#11
ὅτι
is it that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
ἐν
about
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πατρός
Father's business
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#16
μου
my
of me
#17
δεῖ
must
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
#18
εἶναί
be
to exist
#19
με
I
me

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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