Luke 3:2

Authorized King James Version

Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπὶ
G1909
being
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#2
ἀρχιερέων
G749
the high priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#3
Ἅννα
G452
Annas
annas (i.e., g0367), an israelite
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
Καϊάφα
G2533
Caiaphas
the dell; caiaphas (i.e., cajepha), an israelite
#6
ἐγένετο
G1096
came
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#7
ῥῆμα
G4487
the word
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
ἐπὶ
G1909
being
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
Ἰωάννην
G2491
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#11
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Ζαχαρίου
G2197
of Zacharias
zacharias (i.e., zechariah), the name of two israelites
#14
υἱὸν
G5207
the son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἐρήμῳ
G2048
the wilderness
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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