Luke 23:2

Authorized King James Version

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἤρξαντο

G756

they began

to commence (in order of time)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

κατηγορεῖν

G2723

to accuse

to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence

αὐτοῦ

G846

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

λέγοντα

G3004

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

Τοῦτον

G5126

this

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

εὕρομεν

G2147

We found

to find (literally or figuratively)

διαστρέφοντα

G1294

fellow perverting

to distort, i.e., (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἔθνος

G1484

the nation

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

κωλύοντα

G2967

forbidding

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

#13

Καίσαρι

G2541

to Caesar

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

#14

φόρους

G5411

tribute

a load (as borne), i.e., (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas g5056 is usually a general toll on g

#15

διδόναι

G1325

to give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#16

λέγοντα

G3004

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

#17

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

that he himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#18

Χριστὸν

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#19

βασιλέα

G935

a King

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

#20

εἶναι

G1511

to exist

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 covenant community 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Luke 23:2

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources