Luke 20:21

Authorized King James Version

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

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
ἐπηρώτησαν
G1905
they asked
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
#3
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
#4
λέγεις
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
Διδάσκαλε
G1320
Master
an instructor (genitive case or specially)
#6
οἴδαμεν
G1492
we know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#7
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#8
ὀρθῶς
G3723
rightly
in a straight manner, i.e., (figuratively) correctly (also morally)
#9
λέγεις
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
διδάσκεις·
G1321
teachest
to teach (in the same broad application)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
οὐ
G3756
neither
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
λαμβάνεις
G2983
acceptest thou
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#15
πρόσωπον
G4383
the person
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#16
ἀλλ'
G235
of any but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#17
ἐπ'
G1909
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#18
ἀληθείας
G225
truly
truth
#19
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ὁδὸν
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#21
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#23
διδάσκεις·
G1321
teachest
to teach (in the same broad application)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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