Luke 20:26

Authorized King James Version

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

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
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
ἴσχυσαν
G2480
they could
to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)
#4
ἐπιλαβέσθαι
G1949
take hold
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
#5
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#6
ῥήματος
G4487
words
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
#7
ἐναντίον
G1726
before
(adverbially) in the presence (view) of
#8
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
λαοῦ
G2992
the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
θαυμάσαντες
G2296
they marvelled
to wonder; by implication, to admire
#12
ἐπὶ
G1909
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#13
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀποκρίσει
G612
answer
a response
#15
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#16
ἐσίγησαν
G4601
and held their peace
to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of peace 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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