Luke 21:20

Authorized King James Version

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὅταν
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἴδητε
ye shall see
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#4
κυκλουμένην
compassed
to encircle, i.e., surround
#5
ὑπὸ
with
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#6
στρατοπέδων
armies
a camping-ground, i.e., (by implication) a body of troops
#7
τήν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
#9
τότε
then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#10
γνῶτε
know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#11
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
ἤγγικεν
is nigh
to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach
#13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐρήμωσις
the desolation
despoliation
#15
αὐτῆς
thereof
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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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