Luke 23:31

Authorized King James Version

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#3
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ὑγρῷ
a green
wet (as if with rain), i.e., (by implication) sappy (fresh)
#6
ξύλῳ
tree
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
#7
ταῦτα
these things
these things
#8
ποιοῦσιν
they do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ξηρῷ
the dry
arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water)
#12
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#13
γένηται
shall be done
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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