Luke 20:20

Authorized King James Version

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
παρατηρήσαντες
G3906
they watched
to inspect alongside, i.e., note insidiously or scrupulously
#3
ἀπέστειλαν
G649
him and sent forth
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
#4
ἐγκαθέτους
G1455
spies
subinduced, i.e., surreptitiously suborned as a lier-in-wait
#5
ὑποκρινομένους
G5271
which should feign
to decide (speak or act) under a false part, i.e., (figuratively) dissemble (pretend)
#6
ἑαυτοὺς
G1438
themselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#7
δικαίους
G1342
just men
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#8
εἶναι
G1511
to exist
#9
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
ἐπιλάβωνται
G1949
they might take hold
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
#11
αὐτὸν
G846
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
#12
λόγου
G3056
words
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#13
εἰς
G1519
that so
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
παραδοῦναι
G3860
they might deliver
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#16
αὐτὸν
G846
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
#17
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἀρχῇ
G746
unto the power
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἐξουσίᾳ
G1849
authority
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#22
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἡγεμόνος
G2232
of the governor
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province

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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