Luke 3:15

Authorized King James Version

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Προσδοκῶντος
were in expectation
to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
λαοῦ
as the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
διαλογιζομένων
mused
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
#7
πάντων
all men
all, any, every, the whole
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
καρδίαις
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#11
αὐτὸς
he
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
#12
περὶ
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#13
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Ἰωάννου
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#15
μήποτε
or not
not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
#16
αὐτὸς
he
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
#17
εἴη
were
might (could, would, or should) be
#18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
Χριστός
the Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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