Luke 21:15

Authorized King James Version

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
δώσω
will give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#4
ὑμῖν
you
to (with or by) you
#5
στόμα
a mouth
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
σοφίαν
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#8
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
δυνήσονται
be able
to be able or possible
#11
ἀντειπεῖν
to gainsay
to refute or deny
#12
οὐδὲ
nor
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#13
ἀντιστῆναι
resist
to stand against, i.e., oppose
#14
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#15
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀντικείμενοι
adversaries
to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
#17
ὑμῖν
you
to (with or by) you

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 wisdom 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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