Luke 23:44

Authorized King James Version

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἦν
it was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ὡσεὶ
about
as if
#4
ὥρας
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#5
ἕκτη,
the sixth
sixth
#6
Καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
σκότος
a darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἐγένετο
there was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#9
ἐφ'
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
#10
ὅλην
all
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
γῆν
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#13
ἕως
until
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#14
ὥρας
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἐννάτης
the ninth
ninth

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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