Luke 4:20

Authorized King James Version

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

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
πτύξας
G4428
he closed
and thus apparently allied to g4072 through the idea of expansion, and to 4429 through that of flattening; compare g3961); to fold, i.e., furl a scrol
#3
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
βιβλίον
G975
the book
a roll
#5
ἀποδοὺς
G591
and he gave it again
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#6
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὑπηρέτῃ
G5257
to the minister
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
#8
ἐκάθισεν·
G2523
and sat down
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
πάντων
G3956
of all them
all, any, every, the whole
#11
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
συναγωγῇ
G4864
the synagogue
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
#14
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ὀφθαλμοὶ
G3788
the eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#16
ἦσαν
G2258
that were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#17
ἀτενίζοντες
G816
were fastened
to gaze intently
#18
αὐτῷ
G846
on 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

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

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 cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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