Luke 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

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
ποιμένες
shepherds
a shepherd (literally or figuratively)
#3
ἦσαν
there were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#4
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
χώρᾳ
country
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
αὐτῶν
the same
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
#9
ἀγραυλοῦντες
G63
abiding in the field
to camp out
#10
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
φυλάσσοντες
keeping
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
#12
φυλακὰς
watch
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#13
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
νυκτὸς
by night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἐπὶ
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#16
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ποίμνην
flock
a flock (literally or figuratively)
#18
αὐτῶν
the same
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

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

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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