Luke 3:17

Authorized King James Version

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗ
Whose
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πτύον
fan
a winnowing-fork (as scattering like spittle)
#4
ἐν
is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
χειρὶ
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#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
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
διακαθᾶριεῖ
he will throughly purge
to cleanse perfectly, i.e., (specially) winnow
#10
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἅλωνα
floor
a threshing-floor (as rolled hard), i.e., (figuratively) the grain (and chaff, as just threshed)
#12
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
#13
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
συναξεῖ
will gather
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#15
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
σῖτον
the wheat
grain, especially wheat
#17
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἀποθήκην
garner
a repository, i.e., granary
#20
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
#21
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#23
ἄχυρον
the chaff
chaff (as diffusive)
#24
κατακαύσει
he will burn
to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly
#25
πυρὶ
with fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#26
ἀσβέστῳ
unquenchable
not extinguished, i.e., (by implication) perpetual

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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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