Luke 3:21

Authorized King James Version

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγένετο
G1096
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
δὲ
G1161
Now
but, and, etc
#3
ἐν
G1722
were baptized
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
βαπτισθέντος
G907
being baptized
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
#6
ἅπαντα
G537
when all
absolutely all or (singular) every one
#7
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
λαὸν
G2992
the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#9
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
that Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#11
βαπτισθέντος
G907
being baptized
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
#12
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
προσευχομένου
G4336
praying
to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship
#14
ἀνεῳχθῆναι
G455
was opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#15
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
οὐρανὸν
G3772
the heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

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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