Luke 20:5

Authorized King James Version

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
συνελογίσαντο
they reasoned
to reckon together (with oneself), i.e., deliberate
#4
πρὸς
with
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#5
ἑαυτούς,
themselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#6
λέγοντες,
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
#7
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#8
Ἐὰν
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#9
εἴπωμεν
we shall say
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#10
Ἐξ
From
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
οὐρανοῦ,
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
ἐρεῖ
he will say
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#13
Διατί
Why
through what cause ?, i.e., why?
#14
οὖν
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#15
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
ἐπιστεύσατε
believed ye
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
#17
αὐτῷ;
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

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

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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