Luke 23:29

Authorized King James Version

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
ἰδού,
behold
used as imperative lo!
#3
ἔρχονται
are coming
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
ἡμέραι
the days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
οἳ
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἐροῦσιν
they shall say
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#8
Μακάριαι
Blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#9
αἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
στεῖραι
are the barren
"sterile"
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
κοιλίαι
the wombs
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
#13
οἳ
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#14
οὐκ
never
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
ἐγέννησαν
bare
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
μαστοὶ
the paps
a (properly, female) breast (as if kneaded up)
#18
οἳ
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
οὐκ
never
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
ἔθήλασαν
gave suck
to suckle, (by implication) to suck

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

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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