Luke 4:21

Authorized King James Version

And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἤρξατο
he began
to commence (in order of time)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
λέγειν
to 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
#4
πρὸς
unto
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,
#5
αὐτοὺς
them
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
#6
ὅτι
This
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
Σήμερον
day
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
#8
πεπλήρωται
fulfilled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
γραφὴ
scripture
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#11
αὕτη
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#12
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ὠσὶν
ears
the ear (physically or mentally)
#15
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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