Luke 3:22

Authorized King James Version

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
καταβῆναι
G2597
descended
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#3
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πνεῦμα
G4151
Ghost
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#5
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἅγιον
G40
the Holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#7
σωματικῷ
G4984
in a bodily
corporeal or physical
#8
εἴδει
G1491
shape
a view, i.e., form (literally or figuratively)
#9
ὡσεὶ
G5616
like
as if
#10
περιστερὰν
G4058
a dove
a pigeon
#11
ἐπ'
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#12
αὐτόν
G846
him
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
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
φωνὴν
G5456
a voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#15
ἐξ
G1537
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#16
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#17
γενέσθαι
G1096
came
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#18
λέγουσαν,
G3004
which said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#19
Σὺ
G4771
Thou
thou
#20
εἶ
G1488
art
thou art
#21
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
υἱός
G5207
Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#23
μου
G3450
my
of me
#24
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἀγαπητός
G27
beloved
beloved
#26
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#27
σοὶ
G4671
thee
to thee
#28
ἠυδόκησα
G2106
I am well pleased
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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