Luke 20:24

Authorized King James Version

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπιδείξατέ
Shew
to exhibit (physically or mentally)
#2
μοι
me
to me
#3
δηνάριον·
a penny
a denarius (or ten asses)
#4
τίνος
Whose
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#5
ἔχει
hath it
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#6
εἰκόνα
image
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἐπιγραφήν
superscription
an inscription
#9
ἀποκριθέντες
They answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#10
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#11
εἶπον,
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#12
Καίσαρος
Caesar's
caesar, a title of the roman emperor

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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