Luke 23:38

Authorized King James Version

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἦν
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ἐπιγραφὴ
a superscription
an inscription
#5
γεγραμμένη
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#6
ἐπ'
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#7
αὐτῷ
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
#8
γράμμασιν
in letters
a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning
#9
Ἑλληνικοῖς,
of Greek
hellenic, i.e., grecian (in language)
#10
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
Ῥωμαικοῖς
Latin
romaic, i.e., latin
#12
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
Ἑβραικοῖς,
Hebrew
hebraic or the jewish language
#14
Οὗτός
THIS
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#15
ἐστιν
IS
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
βασιλεὺς
THE KING
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#18
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
Ἰουδαίων
OF THE JEWS
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

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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