Luke 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἔλεγεν
G3004
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
#2
οὖν
G3767
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἐκπορευομένοις
G1607
that came forth
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
#5
ὄχλοις
G3793
he to the multitude
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#6
βαπτισθῆναι
G907
to be 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
#7
ὑπ'
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#8
αὐτοῦ
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
#9
Γεννήματα
G1081
O generation
offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἐχιδνῶν
G2191
of vipers
an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively)
#11
τίς
G5101
who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#12
ὑπέδειξεν
G5263
hath warned
to exhibit under the eyes, i.e., (figuratively) to exemplify (instruct, admonish)
#13
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#14
φυγεῖν
G5343
to flee
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
#15
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#16
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
μελλούσης
G3195
to come
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#18
ὀργῆς
G3709
the wrath
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

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 revelation 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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