Luke 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#3
Ἐπὶ
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#4
χειρῶν
their hands
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#5
ἀροῦσίν
they shall bear
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
#6
σε
thee
thee
#7
μήποτε
lest at any time
not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
#8
προσκόψῃς
thou dash
to strike at, i.e., surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e., trip up (literally or figuratively)
#9
πρὸς
against
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#10
λίθον
a stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#11
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πόδα
foot
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#13
σου
thy
of thee, thy

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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