Luke 3:8

Authorized King James Version

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ποιήσατε
Bring forth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#2
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
καρποὺς
fruits
fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively
#4
ἀξίους
worthy
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#5
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μετανοίας
of repentance
(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
ἄρξησθε
begin
to commence (in order of time)
#10
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
ἐν
within
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
ἑαυτοῖς
yourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#13
Πατέρα
to our father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#14
ἔχομεν
We have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#15
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
Ἀβραάμ
G11
Abraham
abraham, the hebrew patriarch
#17
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#18
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#19
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#20
ὅτι
That
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#21
δύναται
is able
to be able or possible
#22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#24
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#25
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
λίθων
stones
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#27
τούτων
these
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
#28
ἐγεῖραι
to raise up
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#29
τέκνα
children
a child (as produced)
#30
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
Ἀβραάμ
G11
Abraham
abraham, the hebrew patriarch

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources