Luke 23:34

Authorized King James Version

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
ἔλεγεν
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
Πάτερ
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#6
ἄφες
forgive
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
#7
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#8
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#10
οἴδασιν
they know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#11
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#12
ποιοῦσιν
they do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#13
διαμεριζόμενοι
they parted
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
#14
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#15
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἱμάτια
raiment
a dress (inner or outer)
#17
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#18
ἔβαλον
and cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#19
κλῆρον
lots
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)

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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